1. The Honorable Robert Williams Administrative Judge Polk County Court Cathy Hatch Executive Director Executive Director NAMI Polk County Polk County Mental Health Court and NAMI Polk County Collaboration

2. Overall Program Goal Promote the safety and well being of mentally ill offenders through judicial oversight and appropriate treatment Polk County Mental Health Court

3. Vision Our vision is, on an individual basis, to treat each person’s mental health needs, and to re-connect the broken threads of trust and confidence that mentally ill offenders have lost through years of untreated mental illness. We expect responsibility and accountability for actions, but we temper those expectations with the understanding that many issues need to be resolved before mental health treatment can be effective. We are working to create a safety net for individuals, who, through loss of resources, cannot access treatment, jobs, medications and other support. Each of us believes that, if we are able to turn around even one life and make permanent changes for the future for just one person, we have done well for that person and for society as a whole. If not us, who will?

4. Polk County Mental Health Court Diversion Logic Model The Polk County Mental Health Court The Polk County Mental Health Court is a voluntary diversion of persons charged with misdemeanor criminal offenses who suffer from mental illnesses. Phase 1Phase 2 Diversion Identify Eligible Persons Comprehensive & Individually Appropriate Community Treatment Phase 3 Improved Mental Health Outcomes Improved Public Safety Outcomes

5.  Diversionary—removes participants from the traditional criminal justice system and offers them a second chance  Therapeutic—links participants with treatment, counseling and medications, as well as housing and other living assistance to treat the causes and not just the symptoms Polk County Mental Health Court Polk County Mental Health Court

6.  Goal—to effect better outcomes for Mental Health Court participants  Consequences—sanctions for not following the individualized program of counseling, medications, abstinence, and court appearances  Incentives—using positive reinforcement, the Judge encourages and persuades Polk County Mental Health Court Polk County Mental Health Court

7. Polk County Mental Health Court Encouragement is the first step to success

8. Polk County Mental Health Court The “X” Factor Real persuasion cannot occur without a significant relationship

9. Polk County Mental Health Court Celebrating individual and collective success, no matter how small

10. Polk County Mental Health Court Polk County Mental Health Court The program is administered in three phases, approximately four months each, and culminates with graduation and dismissal of the original charges.

11. Polk County Mental Health Court and NAMI Polk County Collaboration None of us is as smart as all of us One entity cannot accomplish the goal of improved safety and well being for mentally ill offenders single-handedly— It takes the synergy of many working together as a cohesive team

12. Polk County Mental Health Court and NAMI Polk County Collaboration This unique partnership works to bridge the gap between the mental health community and the criminal justice system for an improved continuum of care for the court-involved mentally ill. This unique partnership works to bridge the gap between the mental health community and the criminal justice system for an improved continuum of care for the court-involved mentally ill.

13. Polk County Mental Health Court and NAMI Polk County Collaboration  Peer-to-Peer is taught in the Courthouse, after program participants appear before the Judge  The Judge persuades and encourages participation in Peer-to-Peer Recovery Education courses.

14.  Through judicial influence, NAMI’s Peer-to- Peer principles are put into action as the Judge reinforces each participant’s need to establish and maintain wellness and recovery  Peer-to-Peer mentors encourage and support Mental Health Court participants as they endeavor to meet the terms of their individualized programs of counseling, medications, abstinence, and court appearances Polk County Mental Health Court and NAMI Polk County Collaboration

15. The Polk County Team Circuit Judge*NAMI Affiliate Executive Director Circuit Judge*NAMI Affiliate Executive Director *County Judge *Peer to Peer Mentor/ Consumer Rep *State’s Attorney*Community Mental Health Providers *Public Defender SAMH Program Office/ Florida DCF *Case Workers County Commissioners *Probation Representative Corrections Officers *Trial Court Administration Sheriff *Pre-trial Services Homeless Program Representative *MHC Coordinator Family Member of Consumer State Detention State Detention * Participate in weekly staff meetings with presiding Judge to discuss progress of and suggest direction for court participants

16. Polk County Mental Health Court and NAMI Polk County Collaboration How did NAMI became part of the team?  Did the homework  Showed up  Volunteered  Developed relationships  Showed commitment

17. Polk County Mental Health Court and NAMI Polk County Collaboration HOMEWORK EXAMPLES  GAINS Center www.gainscenter.samhsa.gov  National Center for State Courts Online Toolkit Online Toolkit www.ncsconline.org As you research, try to identify experts named in studies who can be a resource for you and don’t be afraid to contact them!

18. Polk County Mental Health Court and NAMI Polk County Collaboration SHOW UP  Watch for meeting notices and show up consistently  Bring your homework to the table  Offer what you have  Use every meeting as an opportunity to build relationships

19. Polk County Mental Health Court and NAMI Polk County Collaboration VOLUNTEER (1)  When committees are formed, volunteer to be on one. This is the place where you can begin to voice the NAMI perspective.  Always have relevant and sound NAMI stats or research with you to validate your input.

20. Polk County Mental Health Court and NAMI Polk County Collaboration VOLUNTEER (2)  Volunteer your NAMI resources  Peer-to-Peer classes  Brochures  Support group opportunities  Any other resource the court might need that you have to offer

21. Polk County Mental Health Court and NAMI Polk County Collaboration DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS  Introduce yourself to the Judge and his aids  Participate in community groups  Connect with CIT leadership  College and university connections  County and state legislators The bottom line: Your network is your greatest asset!

22. Polk County Mental Health Court and NAMI Polk County Collaboration SHOW COMMITMENT  Attend meetings  Be available  Be committed to finding solutions  Go the extra mile to be a team member

23. Polk County Mental Health Court and NAMI Polk County Collaboration Partnership Notes  NAMI office can refer cases to MHC  NAMI staff and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) mentors have input related to the court’s relationship with Mental Health Court participants and may advocate for them  Court has helped with NAMI fundraising events  Presiding Judge and Court staff attend Peer to Peer graduation receptions  Court offers classroom use in courthouse for P2P classes  Those attending P2P are the first cases on the docket each week to allow timely attendance in class

24. Polk County Mental Health Court and NAMI Polk County Collaboration Mentor Observations  Drug use is more prevalent among MHC participants  MHC classes are slower to bond as a group  Once trust is established, deep bonds develop between participants  Judge’s positive reinforcement motivates students to do their best  Background information learned at staffings help mentors understand the needs of participants and aids in relationship building  Many participants are learning about their illnesses for the first time  Story telling usually centers around the event that led them into the court system  Negative vibes from Court sometimes carry into the classroom, but are viewed as teachable moments as mentors offer a safe venue to express frustration and illustrate the use of coping skills

25. Polk County Mental Health Court and NAMI Polk County Collaboration Mentors agree that leading Peer-to- Peer for Mental Health Court is especially meaningful as they witness and celebrate positive lifestyle and attitude changes among participants.

26. Collaboration Faces Collaboration Faces

27. The Judge champions Peer-to-Peer principles from a judicial vantage point, and at the same time the Peer-to-Peer mentors support participants as they work their individualized programs. Consequently, this partnership is exceptionally innovative as well as beneficial for each participant as they work hard at wellness and recovery. Consequently, this partnership is exceptionally innovative as well as beneficial for each participant as they work hard at wellness and recovery. Polk County Mental Health Court and NAMI Polk County Collaboration