Las Vegas Justice Court Mental Health Court Contracting Reentry Services

The Las Vegas Justice Court Mental Health Court (MHC) program seeks funds to provide performance-based and outcomes-based contracts for reentry services for at least 88 Mental Health Court participants. MHC is a voluntary alternative to the traditional court system for individuals with a serious mental illness where there is some correlation between the offense and their diagnosis. Assistance and treatment are coordinated throughout the program and progress towards goals is closely monitored. Objectives include early identification of mental illness in individuals having contact with the justice system, early intervention, and diversion of individuals away from the justice system. MHC assists those struggling with mental illness who have violated the law by increasing the efficiency of case processing; improving access to treatment and services; developing and completing an individualized treatment plan; improving community functioning of participants in the areas of employment, education, training and housing; and by reducing recidivism to improve public safety for the community. The goal is to enter into performance-based and outcomes-based contracts for reentry services to assist participants in becoming a productive member of the community and reduce recidivism. The MHC program would provide high-risk high-needs participants with permanent supportive housing.