Pilot project in Santa Clara County redirects defendants to psychiatric treatment

The program could refer people facing criminal charges to mental health court or other options, part of a coordinated response the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors called for in 2022 — after declaring a public health emergency.

Currently, defendants in criminal cases typically have to wait six to nine months for their case to be concluded before they can enter Mental Health Treatment Court. With the new program, this could happen as early as their first court appearance.

The Court for the Treatment of Mental Illnesses was established in 1998. It examines whether accused persons have a mental illness.

If a defendant meets certain criteria at the time of arraignment, courts may create a plan to provide them with support while in custody, or release them to participate in a treatment program and find housing in the community instead.

Currently, authorities limit the program to 10 defendants per week so the system doesn’t become overwhelmed. One of the directors, Otto Lee, hopes this will “reduce unnecessary and costly incarceration and ensure that people get help when they need it most.”