New York boosts funding for mental health courts in latest state budget

April 29, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Gov. Kathy Hochul is joined by Chief Judge Rowan Wilson (right) and Jethro Antoine, the chief program officer at the Center for Justice Innovation, to announce more funding for the state's mental health courts. Photo by Don Pollard/Courtesy of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office.

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New York’s mental health courts have received a significant financial boost with the allocation of approximately $12 million from the state’s budget, aimed at improving services for individuals with mental illnesses involved in the criminal legal system.

The announcement was made by Gov. Hochul and Chief Judge Rowan Wilson, who have championed the expansion of problem-solving courts across the state.

Mental health courts are specialized court docket programs that handle cases involving persons with mental illnesses under the supervision of a judge. These courts aim to improve the lives of participants by providing access to mental health and substance use treatment services while ensuring public safety. They are designed to offer treatments tailored to the individual’s needs rather than impose traditional criminal justice sanctions.

In Brooklyn, Hon. Matthew D’Emic, the administrative judge of the Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, presides over the Mental Health Court, which is part of this innovative court system. The funding increase will help expand the capacity of these courts to serve more individuals, aiming to address mental health issues more effectively within the criminal justice system.

Chief Judge Wilson highlighted the importance of these courts during his tour of the Midtown Community Justice Center, emphasizing that the approach is both cost-effective and beneficial for community safety and the well-being of individuals with mental health challenges. The new funding will also support the installation of mental health navigators in courts to help identify appropriate candidates for diversion to mental health courts.

“This is the incubator and the proving ground for a better way,” said Chief Judge Wilson. “A better way that treats, instead of punishes. A better way that cares for the community as a whole. A better way that is less expensive and that improves public safety.”

Furthermore, the budget includes $4.3 million dedicated to building transitional housing for those referred through the court system and $2.8 million to provide housing for New Yorkers with mental illnesses who are homeless or involved in the criminal justice system. The largest allocation of $14.6 million will expand specialized Forensic Assertive Community Treatment teams, which help connect individuals to health care and housing while ensuring they adhere to their treatment plans.

This financial commitment comes at a crucial time as the system faces challenges such as delays in transferring mentally ill defendants from jails to treatment facilities. The new beds funded in the state-operated psychiatric facilities are expected to alleviate some of these delays, providing much-needed relief and support to those in need.