JCMH News
Weekly News Roundup
Every Monday, we post news articles, studies, or press releases that cover topics related to the intersection of criminal justice and mental health in Texas.
Governor Abbott Announces $34 Million Behavioral Health Campus Project In Uvalde: Governor Greg Abbott today announced a $34 million project to build a behavioral health campus in Uvalde dedicated to providing on-site care to children and adults experiencing mental health crises in 32 counties in the surrounding area.
Lawsuit names 4 UT Southwestern police officers sued over in-custody death: Kenneth Knotts, an Austin resident, was taken to UT Southwestern Nov. 29, 2022 after city of Hutchins police determined he was suffering a mental health crisis while stopped on the side of the road with a flat tire.
Montgomery County facility for people with disabilities plans $2.5M expansion: The long-standing Montgomery County community Bridgewood Farms for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is moving forward with a new leader and renewed vision for its future.
HHSC to Host Community Information Session on $452 Million Construction Project at North Texas State Hospital – Wichita Falls: The new hospital will feature state-of-the-art therapeutic spaces in a secure environment for patients and will have separate spaces for adult and adolescent patients.
Family of man killed in SWAT incident says he was suffering from mental health crisis: The sister of the suspect killed in a SWAT standoff in West El Paso last week said her brother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was suffering from a mental health crisis.
Lawsuit filed against Llano County, LCSO in shooting death of man having ‘mental health crisis’: A lawsuit was recently filed against the Llano County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) in connection with a response to an October 2022 mental health call that led to the death of Justin Harrod.
Facility designed for individuals with intellectual, developmental disabilities benefits Orange County: Spindletop Center opened its new sensory room designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; it a space with special equipment designed to help an individual with sensory challenges learn strategies to cope with external stimuli.
Montgomery County courts begin new mental health graduation program: County Court-At-Law 4 serves as the base for the mental health treatment court for Montgomery County. The court handles individuals who have committed criminal conduct but have been identified as having significant mental health issues that contributed to the conduct.
Mental illness issues draw attention at recent workshop, commissioners meeting (Hunt County): Members of the North Texas Behavioral Health Authority conducted a workshop attended by local mental health providers, school officials, police and criminal justice officials, Texas Department of Health and Human Services staff and others involved in mental health issues in Hunt County.
Texas opens new psychiatric hospital in San Antonio: State officials opened the doors recently to a new psychiatric hospital in San Antonio, replacing an aging facility and increasing capacity.
Texas is struggling to diversify its mental health workforce as the state becomes less white: Despite the nation’s growing diversity, the mental health workforce is still predominantly white and English-speaking.
What’s needed to make a diversion center successful? (Travis County): Law enforcement, prosecutors and elected officials point to the creation of a diversion center as a solution to address crime related to mental health and homelessness.
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Materials published on the JCMH website are helpful reports and resources for judges and attorneys handling cases regarding persons with mental illness and/or IDD and are intended for reference use only. They are not legal advice, and may not represent the official opinion of the JCMH.
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