This course is divided into three presentations. In the first presentation, ACA Jason Steans discusses the recent emergence of Jail-Based Competency Restoration. This program allows defendants to remain in custody and receive treatment by mental health providers while at the jail. Mr. Steans discusses the statutory authority for these programs as well as some of the benefits and challenges that these programs present. The second presentation ADAs Jessica Frazier and Malori Martin. In the first part of the presentation, Ms. Frazier walks through the statutory steps for establishing a mental health court. In the second part of the presentation, Ms. Frazier and Ms. Martin discuss not only the benefits of mental health courts but also what prosecutors can do in counties without mental health courts to make sure that defendants with mental health issues are being properly addressed. The final presentation has our presenters answering questions that they have received in their role as mental health prosecutors.
This course has been approved for Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit by the State Bar of Texas Committee on MCLE in the amount of 1.25 credit hours, of which 0 credit hours will apply to legal ethics/professional responsibility credit.