The 28TH judicial district for the state of kansas, as the primary applicant, and central kansas mental health center, as a CO-administrator, seek funding to establish a behavioral health court and…

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) awarded a $534,984 Project Grant under the Criminal and Juvenile Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (CFDA 16.745) to Saline County, Kansas, and its co-administrator Central Kansas Mental Health Center. The funding will be used to establish a Behavioral Health Court and Veterans Court to help address mental health disorders that lead to criminal offenses. The courts will connect clients to healthcare, addiction services, housing, employment assistance, and other support to reduce criminal activity and recidivism. Clients will attend regular hearings and receive guidance, supervision, and collaboration from the court staff. This initiative aims to provide the skills and support needed for clients to live stable, independent lives, while assisting a traditionally marginalized community.

The 28TH judicial district for the state of kansas, as the primary applicant, and central kansas mental health center, as a CO-administrator, seek funding to establish a behavioral health court and veterans court (collectively, bhcs) to help address mental health disorders that lead to criminal offenses. The bhcs will reduce or eliminate criminal activity by connecting clients with and providing payment for healthcare and addiction services, housing, employment assistance, among other things. Clients will attend regular hearings before a presiding judge and designated BHC staff for guidance, supervision, and collaboration. BHC staff will also regularly meet to assess progress of each client and collaborate on addressing client needs. Through connecting clients to services and collaborating with BHC staff, the bhcs will provide clients with the skills and support they need to live stable, independent lives. The bhcs will both assist a traditionally marginalized community those suffering from mhds and reduce recidivism. There are no planned conference activities for the recommended award.