Jail based competency restoration program

The Bexar County Board of Trustees for Mental Health Mental Retardation (BCBMTMMR), doing business as The Center for Health Care Services, was awarded a $550,000 Project Grant from the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance. The grant period runs from October 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024 to support the Jail Based Competency Restoration Program.

The program aims to improve public safety and outcomes for individuals with mental health disorders or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders within the criminal justice system. Specifically, the Center for Health Care Services will operate a jail-based competency restoration program for defendants with mental illnesses using funding from the Criminal and Juvenile Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (CFDA 16.745). The program seeks to address defendants' competency to stand trial by providing mental health treatment and coordination across the justice and health systems.