Mental health court seeks funding

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Nonviolent offenders suffering from mental illness are offered treatment in lieu of jail time.

By WILLIAM K. ALCORN

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Felony Mental Health Court saved the county some $210,000 in 2006 while helping 15 mentally ill offenders have better lives, county officials said.

However, they also say that the mental health court, a pilot project presided over by Common Pleas Judge Maureen A. Sweeney, is about to run out of funds, and possibly go out of existence.

To prevent that, officials are trolling for state and foundation grants and donations to keep running what they think is a positive force in the community.

The felony mental health court got under way in February 2006 with a $25,900 grant from the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services. The grant was due to run out at the end of 2006, but funding was extended through March.

The Mental Health Court is a program designed to work with felony criminal defendants with mental health issues who as a result of their illness come in contact with the justice system, said Linda Blum, director of forensic services for Turning Point Counseling Services, which has offices in Youngstown.

In 2006, the program diverted 15 offenders with mental illness from jail to the treatment program, saving 2,325 jail bed days, which at $90 a day adds up to about $210,000 in savings, Blum said.

Treatment instead of jail

Turning Point operates the program, called CARES (Change Applying Rehabilitation, Education and Support), along with the court. Under the mental health court, eligible nonviolent offenders are offered a two-year treatment program in lieu of jail time.

This program is a success because of the cooperation among county agencies, and Judge Sweeney, Blum said.

The mental health court is working very well, said Judge Sweeney.

"It tries to help people ... get treatment and training and jobs so they can earn an income and take care of themselves ... and function in society and not be recommitting criminals," she said.

For example, one man had cycled in and out of jail and the mental health system for 15 years. He said the program helped him stay on his medication and gave him a reason to hope, Blum said.

Ron Marian, executive director of the county mental health board, said he is seeking financial help from foundations and private donations, and also plans to apply to the Ohio Department of Mental Health for funding.

"This program gives people who want to help themselves their best chance, without going to jail where they won't get treatment," Marian said.

"We put in for funding to keep this going because [the program] works ... and it gets these people off the street," Marian said.

Details

Under the program, participants, referred to the program through indictments and probation violation hearings voluntarily plead guilty to nonviolent fourth- or fifth-degree felonies. Sentences are held in abeyance until the participant completes the program, at which time the sentence is waived. However, if they don't adhere to the court's orders, the original sentence can be put into effect, officials said.

The CARES Program has also accepted referrals from judges, prosecutors, public defenders, appointed and private counsel, probation officers and law enforcement officials. The emphasis is on individuals who are believed to have mental health issues as contributing or causal factors in their involvement with the criminal justice system.

People who want to learn more about the program, would like to make a referral, or are interested in making a donation should contact Blum at (330) 744-2991.

alcorn@vindy.com

Monday, February 5, 2007