What approach is designed to aid mentally ill persons in avoiding jail by directing them into treatment?

The mental health court movement is specifically designed to address the intersection of mental illness and the criminal justice system. It focuses on providing a judicially mandated framework for diverting individuals with mental health issues from incarceration to treatment. This movement recognizes that individuals with mental health disorders often find themselves entangled in the justice system, frequently due to behaviors linked to their untreated conditions.

Mental health courts aim to offer alternatives to traditional criminal proceedings. They leverage collaborations between the legal system, mental health professionals, and community resources to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and services needed to manage their mental illnesses effectively. By doing so, these courts not only address the individual's rehabilitation but also enhance public safety and reduce recidivism.

While psychiatric rehabilitation focuses on restoring a person's ability to function independently in society, community support programs may provide various services to help individuals in need, and judicial diversion models encompass a broader spectrum of strategies, including and beyond mental health courts. However, the primary intent of the mental health court movement is distinctively aimed at preventing incarceration due to mental health crises by facilitating access to appropriate treatment rather than punitive measures.