HAYS COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH COURT
A grand celebration was held Tuesday as seven graduates accepted their certificates for completing The Mental Health Court. The program is a 12- to 15-month commitment with specialized treatment designed to address the unique needs of individuals with mental health, Substance Use and/or Intellectual and Developmental Disability disorders who are facing pending legal charges in Hays County. The program is overseen by Judge Elaine Brown who was in attendance and presented graduates with their diplomas.
“We are pleased to announce that we have seven graduates this spring,” said Judge Brown. “This is our fifth graduation and will be our largest group of graduates so far.”
According to the Mental Health Court website, it strives “to reduce recidivism and support individuals in achieving stability by fostering collaboration between the courts, treatment providers, and community resources.” The graduation event was full of supportive friends and family as well as the court staff that helped make this program possible. Deborah Jackson, a mental health provider and Deblin Health Concepts chief program officer, who gave a moving speech about her background as a provider and as an aunt whose nephew went through a similar experience.
“That is why I’m here, and I hope for each and every last one of you that you do well just like he does,” Jackson said to the graduates.
The program has graduated 25 individuals with a 94% success rate. Former Mental Health Court graduate Steve Busti gave a compelling testimony about his journey through the program and eventually becoming a mentor.
“I believe in the importance of The Mental Health Court and in the lives of the participants. It’s something I cannot overstate,” Busti said. “It’s an absolute necessity for those who face challenges with mental health, mental illness, substance use and or intellectual disability disorders, who otherwise might be facing legal repercussions or even jail time for their actions.”
The speeches continued with one of the current graduates, Derik R. who reflected on his journey through the program, thanking Brown and Kaimi Mattila, the Mental Health Court administrator.
“Thank you both for believing in me during one of the toughest times of my life,” Derik said. “You gave me the tools I needed to succeed, and if it weren’t for your support, I honestly don’t know where I would be.”
Another graduate, James W. gave a speech full of gratitude.
“It’s been a long path for me. I’m so glad I made it. I couldn’t do it without y’all in this program,” James said.
Judge Brown announced the recipient of Outstanding Team Member as Christopher Wynn for his patience and dedication to the program. Brown also announced the award for Outstanding Graduate to James W., noting his continued growth and amazing sense of humor. One by one each graduate was announced and celebrated with a roar of applause from the crowd.
“This program is life-changing for so many, and the commencement provides an opportunity to hear directly from the individuals who experienced it. It’s been amazing to witness the growth of each participant, and I feel blessed to bear witness to their recovery and mental health journey,” Mattila said. For more information on the program, including a referral link, a handbook and a newsletter, one can explore the website at hay scountytx.gov/mentalhealth- court.
