x
Breaking News
More () »

Scott County leaders hope Mental Health Court will help break the cycle of crime

Scott County leaders are renewing their push for a Mental Health Court in an effort to keep people with mental health issues out from behind bars.

Scott County leaders are renewing their push for a Mental Health Court in an effort to keep people with mental health issues out from behind bars.

The task force is hoping to create a program similar to the Mental Health Court in Rock Island County, which was started in 2007.

Judge Frank Fuhr oversees the program there, and says the goal is to keep people with mental health issues from ending up in trouble again.

"Just warehousing them in the county jail for 90 days or sending them to the Department of Corrections for a relatively short period of time doesn't accomplish anything," said Fuhr.

The program is only for non-violent offenders with a diagnosed mental disorder. They're set up with treatment, probation officers, and stable housing. If successful in completing the program, their criminal charges are dismissed.

Fuhr said the completion rate in Rock Island County is roughly 50 percent. While not for everybody, the program's potential for success was obvious at last week's graduation ceremony.

"We had five people graduate. When they started, three out of those five I didn't think had a chance. And they really turned their lives around," said Fuhr.

On Thursday, February 25, 2016, advocates will meet at Genesis East's Adler Education Center to discuss the need for Mental Health Court in Scott County. Speakers include Judge Mark Smith, Chief Deputy Major Thomas Gibbs with the sheriff's department, Dr. Paul Elias with the Scott County jail, and representatives from Vera French, Genesis, and NAMI.

The event starts at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Before You Leave, Check This Out