Felony Mental Health Court

The FMHC is based on the national problem-solving court model. It is a collaborative partnership between the criminal justice system, a network of community-based providers and the participant. The ultimate goal of the FMHC is to ensure public safety and minimize recidivism while diverting defendants with a mental illness from incarceration and instead connecting them to the appropriate treatment and community resources. The FMHC program is recovery-based and designed to accommodate a full range of identified needs while providing structure and guidelines to help participants reach their goals. At the beginning of the program, more intensive supervision and treatment opportunities are expected.

An important element of the FMHC program is ensuring that each participant successfully manages the transition from a highly intensive level of supervision, treatment and support to a reduced level of treatment and support. This is accomplished through the development and application of an individualized Wellness Action Plan which is designed to help the participant maintain stability upon completion of the program. Under the leadership of program director Jeannette Kolarik, a team of dedicated professionals has been assembled to ensure that all aspects of the collaborative process are represented. In addition to the Judge, the FMHC team includes a licensed master’s level clinical supervisor, a licensed master’s level court clinician, a social work case manager, two dedicated assistant district attorneys, two dedicated defense attorneys from the Public Defender’s office, two dedicated community supervision officers, and the participant.