jun 17, 2013 - LA S 71
Author: Broome (D)
Creates the Mental Health Court Treatment Act
Diversion program for offenders with mental illnesses.
Description:
Creates the Mental Health Court Treatment Act and makes legislative findings. Defines mental health court as a structured judicial intervention process that includes mental health court professionals, local social programs and intensive judicial monitoring. Authorizes local courts to designate one or more divisions to operate mental health treatment court programs. Permits placement in a mental health court program if the defendant is diagnosed as having a mental illness or co occurring disorder. Prohibits placement in the program if the defendant does not demonstrate a willingness to participate or has been convicted within the previous 10 years of first or second degree murder, aggravated or criminal sexual assault, armed robbery, arson, stalking, or any violent crime involving the discharge of a firearm. Permits postponing the execution of a sentence and placing the defendant on probation. Requires an eligibility screening and assessment prior to placement in the program. Authorizes the court to order outpatient, inpatient, residential, or jail based mental health or substance abuse treatment. Prohibits earning good time or other credits while participating in the program. Authorizes the program to include graduated rewards and sanctions. Permits sanctions if the defendant is not performing satisfactorily in the program, is not benefitting from education, treatment, or rehabilitation, has engaged in criminal conduct, has violated the terms of the program, or is unable to continue to participate in the program. Authorizes the court to dismiss the original charges against the defendant, terminate the original sentence of the defendant, or otherwise discharge the defendant upon successful program completion. Authorizes the program to work with a network of treatment programs to provide a continuum of mental health, substance abuse and co occurring treatment options.
Added to timeline:
Louisiana Policy Timeline
Date:
