IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH MENTAL HEALTH COURT

By DEBRA HAIGHT
BCR Correspondent

NILES – The criminal justice system isn’t only about punishing people who have broken the law and deterring others from committing crimes. It’s also about problem solving and helping defendants make their way back to a productive life.
Berrien County and Cass County judges gathered last week in Niles with recent graduates to celebrate the success of the Berrien/Cass Regional Mental Health Court. Berrien County officials established a mental health court seven years ago in October 2009 and were joined later by Cass County in a regional venture.
State Sen. John Proos served as the master of ceremonies for the event which took place at the South County Building in Niles. “This is an opportunity to recognize the work of individuals and families as well as the group of dedicated individuals who serve on our bench and see the value of problem solving courts,” he said.
“We are here to show how lives have improved and people have moved from a life of crime and solved their underlying problems,” he added. “It has helped communities become safer with less crime and less impact on victims and families.”
Current and recent program graduates were recognized during the program and got the chance to say what the program meant to them and how it changed their lives.
Robert Scott said the program gave him the tools he needed to turn his life around two years ago. “I looked at it as my last chance, not a second chance,” he said. “Life spirals out of control very fast. It was a great opportunity for me and I hope everyone takes advantage of it.”
Matthew Driscoll was an accountant until his bipolar disorder got him in trouble. He said the program helped get control of his mental health problems and also realize that mental problems shouldn’t have a stigma attached to them.
Taylor Welch was a freshman in college when he had a mental health crisis. He said the people running the program believed in him until he could believe in himself again. He used his time in the program to not only get hold of his own problems but also to work with police to educate them about handling those with mental health problems.
Proos said the mental health court venture is one of a number of efforts the courts have made in recent years to address people’s special situations. Other efforts include the courts’ Swift & Sure Sanction Program and Sobriety Court Program where the goal is to help people with their substance abuse problems.
“The legislature has recognized and funded this program because it works, not only have lives been changed and put back on track, it addresses the disease which is the underlying concern” he said. “My father was a doctor and always said that a mental health problem is an injury people can’t see.”
He praised the area judges who participate and their staff and team members including prosecutors, defense attorneys and mental health professionals. “Not every region in the state has the bench we have here who are willing to take their time to work with people,” he added.
Berrien County Trial Judge Donna Howard was the first judge to speak. She was elected to the bench last November and said she’s been impressed with how the mental health court has helped people straighten out their lives.
“All of us involved in the criminal justice system believe we do what we do because we have the idea that we can improve the lives of people in our community,” she said. “With mental health court, we have periodic review hearings to see how people are doing. Most other times, we don’t have the opportunity to interact with defendants and see their progress.”
Cass District Judge Stacey Rentfrow said she sees the regional mental health court initiative as another way the courts can work to make sure defendants get the help they need while still protecting the community. “It is a great resource to have to make sure the defendant’s needs are met too,” she said.
“These specialty courts take a team approach with everyone working together,” she added. “Taking a team approach is what makes them a success. We are being enforcers in a kind and caring way.”
Berrien County Trial Judges Scott Schofield and Sterling Schrock also spoke about their experiences with the mental health and other specialty courts. Schofield called the program one that improves people’s lives without costing that much taxpayer money. Schrock said it’s one of the few programs where judges can personally see people make progress.
Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey was also on hand to offer his praise for the program. He said his staff have received training to be better able to handle people with mental health issues. He noted that the sheriff’s department deals not only with people who have broken the law but also those who have been referred for mental health evaluations.