Behavioral Health Court

The Behavioral Health Court (BHC) is a collaboration among the Court, Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, Criminal Justice Services, Defense Attorneys, Local law enforcement, Bert Nash Behavioral Health, substance abuse treatment providers and other community-based treatment.

The Douglas County Behavioral Health Court was established to more effectively address the needs of defendants with serious mental illness who cycle through the court, detention, and mental health systems.

Presiding Judge: The Honorable Sally Pokorny

Mission

The mission of the Behavioral Health Court of Douglas County is to connect defendants with community support services and reduce criminal involvement of defendants who experience serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders, thereby enhancing public health and safety.

Purpose

Less time in jail and less interaction with criminal justice system
Connect participants to mental health treatment and community support servivces
Improve participants' quality of life
Increase public safety
Improve justice systems and mental health coordination

Behavioral Health Court Team - August 2023

Documents

Behavioral Health Court - Presentation (PDF)

Behavioral Health Court Handbook

Behavioral Health Court Manual

Behavioral Health Court Phase Model

BHC Pamphlet 2022

Specialty Court Referral Form

Partner Agencies

Douglas County Sheriff's Office

Lawrence Police Department

Bert Nash Community Health Center

DCCCA

FAQ

Participants are required to: 1. Follow a treatment plan. 2. Comply with all court ordered conditions. 3. Obey the terms of supervision. … Read More

The defendant must be a resident of Douglas County, Kansas.The defendant must be 18 years of age or older.The defendant meets the criteria for severe mental illness and this illness contributes to the defendant's criminal behavior.Eligible… Read More

The goals of BHC are as follows:Connect criminal defendants who suffer from serious mental illness to treatment and support services in the community.Improve coordination between the mental health and justice systems for persons with mental illness.… Read More

Upon successful completion of the Behavioral Health Court program, the court will dismiss the participant's charges.

While each case is considered individually, people with the following offenses will typically be excluded from the BHC court:Felony sex offenses.Unresolved out of county charges.Murder and Manslaughter charges.Unresolved KDOC holds. Some cases… Read More

Behavioral Health Court will accept referrals after the filing of criminal charges and the case has been forwarded to the Douglas County District Court for further disposition.

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