July 2, 2009: Mental Health Courts Launched

Problem-solving courts for offenders with mental health problems or learning disabilities, the first of their kind in England and Wales, were today formally launched by Justice Secretary Jack Straw.

Developed using the successful model already in place for domestic violence courts and drug courts, mental health courts aim to help the judiciary and magistrates better respond to offenders with mental health problems – helping provide access to health services, offering tailored sentences and ultimately reducing reoffending.

Pilots operating in Brighton and Stratford magistrates’ courts are currently screening offenders for mental health problems, with 21 offenders currently subject to an order which includes supervision by the Mental Health Team and has an element of mental health support within the supervision plan or specific activity requirements.

 Visiting the Brighton pilot, Jack Straw said:

‘We know how important it is to ensure people with mental health problems have their needs properly addressed. Mental health courts represent a new and innovative way to deal with the root-causes of offending and so limit reoffending. They operate as either a dedicated session or within the normal case list in a magistrates’ court dealing with sentencing of offenders who have mental health problems or learning disabilities.

‘Mental health courts encourage closer working between agencies and support services in all communities, ensuring not only that offenders have timely access to local health services, but also that courts have the correct records. They work because they target specific issues, help reduce reoffending and increase public confidence in the criminal justice system.’

Andrew Dean, Director of Secure and Forensic Services at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said:

‘We are delighted that Brighton has been chosen to pilot the new mental health courts programme, which encourages local agencies to work closely together to improve health and reduce crime. Early detection and treatment of offenders’ mental health problems will ensure people who are unwell get the help they need in the right environment; the programme tackles the “revolving door syndrome” that many mentally ill persistent offenders find themselves trapped in.’

Sonia Crozier, Sussex Probation Chief Officer said:

‘The mental health court pilot – with its focus on early identification post arrest, the location of a psychiatric nurse in court and in the probation office – provides a unique opportunity to knit together all the agencies in response to the Bradley findings and to provide a consistent national framework within which to deliver services to this group of offenders.’

Mental health courts form part of a Ministry of Justice programme designed to break the cycle of reoffending by putting in place a range of problem-solving courts and, in this instance, attend to the specific needs of those with mental health problems. The courts, which have been in operation since January, also provide an early response to Lord Bradley’s review of mental health services across the criminal justice system. Bradley published his review of people with mental health problems or learning disabilities in the criminal justice system in April this year.

Problem-solving courts take a specialist approach in dealing with offenders with specific needs, from mental health, to drug abuse or domestic violence. They address the causes and consequences of offending, dealing with the underlying problems associated with criminal behaviour.

There are several key benefits which drive the government’s commitment to problem-solving courts. They help reduce reoffending, increase public confidence by addressing the needs of local communities, and create a more effective and efficient criminal justice system.