Courts We Serve
Mental Health Court
Mental Health Court
Mental Health Court is a collaborative, problem-solving arm of the Criminal Justice System in which individuals diagnosed with a mental illness or intellectual disability participate in a judicially supervised program which is monitored by the Fort Bend County Community Supervision and Corrections Department. The goal of Mental Health Court is to reduce recidivism rates of those diagnosed with mental illness or intellectual disability and aid them in becoming stable. Judge J. Christian Becerra presides over Felony Mental Health Court in the 434th District Court.
Program Needs
- Valuable “incentives” or rewards for program participants who are making significant steps, big and small, towards their goals to improve their overall mental health, well-being and success in the program.
- Emergency housing to ensure program participants have a safe and stable place to stay that is supportive of mental health, substance use recovery and living a crime-free life.
- Access to specialized treatment such as family therapy and evidence-based treatment such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy.
- Access to targeted therapies to help heal and empower those affected by trauma and co-occurring disorders.
- Gas cards, taxi vouchers and METRO money to assist participants overcome some of the basic barriers to access to care.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Justice Forward has been an important part of my recovery journey. While I was in the drug court program, they provided financial support for me to attend grief counseling after the tragic murder of my 13-year-old daughter. After graduating, they also funded my Peer Recovery Specialist training, which led to my current employment as a Recovery Coach. Because of their support and financial assistance, I have found peace and helped others on their own paths to recovery.
- Connie Taylor
Justice Forward has helped me tremendously in my recovery journey. I’m now able to be a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and great-aunt. I’m so grateful that I was able to get my life back on track without a recurrence of use. Justice Forward paid for my training as a peer support specialist. I have been drug-free for sixteen years and will celebrate my 17 years on April 23rd, 2025. What a joy it has been to give back to the community that gave me a new way of life.
- Jannica Smith
Justice Forward was my only real support system when I had none. They've paid for housing, treatment, therapy and most of all showed me that they truly care. I'm 3.5 years sober and wouldn't dream of letting them down by not paying it forward!
- James White
I'm so grateful to Justice Forward for their sincere assistance in helping me accomplish my dream of becoming a certified electrician. This opportunity allowed me to see something I never even knew about myself--that I can achieve anything if I wholeheartedly want it.
- Floyd Shorts
"Justice Forward has been instrumental in my journey, helping me achieve both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Their generous grants and encouragement have allowed me to grow personally and professionally. I’ve had the chance to share my story, speak at their events, and become a dedicated therapist in addiction medicine. Thanks to their support, I can now give back to the community and assist others on their healing journeys. I am truly grateful for their impact on my life."
- Monica Golla
