Hunter
09/07/26
Johnson County officials are discussing the possibility of a new criminal mental health court to keep people with mental health needs out of jail and instead connected to treatment centers and other services.
Iowa’s News Now reports the Johnson County Attorney’s Office is asking the Board of Supervisors to approve a contract with the Iowa Primary Care Association to help launch the program, including funding for care coordination and treatment.
County Attorney Rachel Zimmerman Smith said the people in civil mental health court are a different population than what the county will deal with in criminal mental health court. The new court would focus on people with criminal charges who have mental health issues but may not meet the standards of civil commitment.
Participants would be on probation and work with care providers and the Department of Corrections.
Officials say the goal of the criminal mental health court is to help individuals access medication, housing and other services while reducing additional jail time.