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Those who complete treatment can stay out of jail, saving taxpayers money.
Luzerne County is accepting referrals for the new mental health court.
The court has been highly anticipated because it targets offenders who land in jail because they’re not receiving needed mental health treatment.
Offenders who are accepted in the program will stay out of jail if they faithfully complete treatment prescribed by the mental health court team.
Taxpayers save $88.05 per day in prison lodging for each person. Dr. William Anzalone, the court’s coordinator, expects 15 to 30 offenders will be accepted in the court the first year.
Most offenders who enter the program face non-violent misdemeanor or felony charges, though some violent charges may be accepted on a case-by-case basis, Anzalone said.
Those who commit homicide and sexually related offenses are not eligible, he said.
Offenders may have their charges erased if they complete the program and qualify for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, commonly known as ARD.
Participants who don’t qualify for ARD will still have criminal records, but Anzalone said there’s still an incentive.
“They will have an opportunity to stabilize their mental illness, stay out of jail and live a productive life,” Anzalone said.
Referrals to the program may come from offenders, their lawyers or treatment providers, he said. Some lawyers already have submitted referrals.
Referral forms are available at www.mhmr.luzerne.pa.us (click on specialty court referral form).
Offenders must agree to comply with all program requirements.
“They have to want treatment,” Anzalone said.
Participants would typically be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The program takes more than a year to complete. Offenders must report to the court and probation department once a week, possibly switching to every other week once they show progress with therapy.
Grants are covering most of the staff working on the court, Anzalone said.
They include: assistant district attorney Michelle Hardik, conflict counsel Sam Falcone, district attorney trial assistant Mollie Katrenicz, adult probation officer Judy Knick, Community Counseling Services case managers Christine Snarski and Jennifer Sworen, and court liaison Danielle Goldowski.
Mental health cases will be heard by District Justice Joseph Carmody and county Judge Chester Muroski.