“It took several long meetings to hammer out the details. Experts in the field, a private psychiatrist and case managers helped tremendously in the early days of the court. There’s been a lot of on the job training as well to get where we are today. The psychiatrists, psychologists and case managers—they’re on the frontline. I reinforce what the treatment team is recommending so defendants can be in the best mental health they can be. It’s a more humane and cost effective way to deal with the mentally ill. Jail is counterproductive in these individuals.”

The Honorable James P. Nilon
Presiding Judge for Mental Health Court