Rather than just prosecuting mentally ill offenders, Georgia mental health courts are working to divert individuals into treatment programs rather than jail. Todd Free, of Hall County, was in and out of jail for stealing and drugs during a time period that he suffered from untreated bipolar disorder.

Four years ago, he agreed to undergo treatment, go to counseling and attend vocational training as ordered by the Hall County mental health court. He's now healthy, employed and not constantly bouncing around the Georgia criminal justice system.

There are a total of 16 mental health courts throughout Georgia, created over the last decade. The courts are pursuing treatment for mentally ill individuals who commit crimes rather than just sending them to jail, only to be released at the end of their sentence even less able to function in society. A Macon criminal defense attorney can help you understand your options if you've been charged with a crime but may benefit from a diversion or mental health program rather than going to jail.

An Increased Need for Mental-Health Based Diversion Programs in Georgia

As mental homes and institutions have closed across the country, more and more individuals are ending up in jail, due at least in part, to mental illness as jails become the new 'psychiatric hospitals.' Research has shown that for many mentally ill individuals, their mental illness is the cause of their criminal behavior; treating one can eliminate the other.

It has also been shown that mentally ill offenders are more likely to commit subsequent crimes once released from jail. In Dekalb County, the mental health courts have seen the number of repeat offenders who've gone through the diversion programs decline.

Georgia appears to be committed to assisting offenders who suffer from untreated mental health issues, increasing funding for mental health programs and adding seven Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams. ACT teams have ten members, including psychiatrists, vocational specialists, nurses and other professionals who are proactively seeking out mentally ill individuals and offering treatment, hopefully before that person gets involved with the Georgia criminal justice system.

Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution, "Mentally ill find alternatives to jail," 30 September 2011