Yuba County celebrates the first graduate of the new Behavioral Health Court this month. Photo courtesy of Yuba County

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Yuba County welcomes the first graduate of its new Behavioral Health Court this month, marking a significant milestone in the county’s ongoing efforts to promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism in the community.

Launched in 2023, the Behavioral Health Court provides vital services and treatment to criminally-charged individuals who are diagnosed with mental health disorders or experience co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Individuals choosing to take part in Behavioral Health Court address the issues leading to their court involvement and are granted a case dismissal upon graduation.

The first graduate of the court did not have a criminal history before committing a violent offense related to the onset of his mental health disorder. With the appropriate medication and treatment, the graduate followed all aspects of his treatment plan and the conditions of release. At the time of his graduation and dismissal of charges, he successfully secured full-time employment and is attending college.

Like all participants, the graduate underwent intensive probation supervision, alcohol and drug treatment and testing, mental health treatment, and case management services while attending regular court review hearings. Behavioral Health Court assisted with potential challenges involving homelessness, education and job training to enhance his success.

The court is the result of a multi-agency collaboration, involving the Yuba County Probation Department, the District Attorney’s Office, the Superior Court of Yuba and local treatment providers.

“Behavioral Health Court would not be possible without the commitment of the Probation department in partnership with Yuba-Sutter Behavioral Health and other contract providers,” said Superior Court Judge Debra L. Givens. “We have extremely dedicated deputy probation officers and treatment staff assigned to our collaborative courts. The district attorney and public defender also remain committed to staffing these calendars and identifying potential participants as early as possible in the criminal justice process.”

Currently, the Behavioral Health Court supports three prospective graduates and aims to expand its capacity to assist more individuals.

“I’m thankful for everyone’s commitment to Behavioral Health Court. It is an excellent tool that was missing in Yuba County before 2023,” said District Attorney Clint Curry. “I’m excited to see how it will make our community a safer place to live, work and play.”