About

The Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health

Our Mission

The mission of the Judicial Commission on Mental Health is to engage and empower court systems through collaboration, education, and leadership, thereby improving the lives of individuals with mental health needs, substance use disorders, or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Joint Court Orders

Establishing the Commission

February 13, 2018

External web link - https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1440539/189025.pdf

Order Appointing Commissioners 2018

April 11, 2018

External web link - https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1441353/189059.pdf

Order Appointing Commissioners 2020

December 21, 2020

Download - File size: 322KB

Order Appointing Commissioners 2023

December 12, 2023

Download - File size: 350KB

Our Inception

On January 11, 2018, the Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals held a historic joint hearing to gather input on the need for and the priorities of a statewide judicial commission on mental health.

State and tribal judges
Law enforcement
Veterans
Juvenile services experts
Psychologists and psychiatrists
Persons with lived experience with these systems

All provided valuable insight at the hearing and voiced unqualified support for the creation of a statewide judicial commission.

The Judicial Commission on Mental Health (“the Commission”) was created by a joint order of the two Courts on February 13, 2018 to develop, implement, and coordinate policy initiatives designed to improve the courts' interaction with - and the administration of justice for - children, adults, and families with mental health needs. On April 11th, the two Courts issued the Order Appointing the Judicial Commission on Mental Health. The first meeting was held on May 15th in Austin.

2023 Strategic Plan

The JCMH's Long Term Planning Committee met in 2022 to develop a 5-year Strategic Plan for the Commission. The 2023 JCMH Strategic Plan highlights the Commission's Mission, Principles, and Vision, Implementation, and Organization.

JCMH Strategic Plan 2023

VIDEO: Celebrating 5 Years of the JCMH

In 2018, the the Supreme Court of Texas and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals sat together for the first time to heard from judges, attorneys, psychiatrists, veterans, law enforcement, and individuals and family members who have been affected by mental health challenges and intellectual and developmental disabilities. One month later, the JCMH was established.

Now, five years later, we are taking a look back at what our Commission has accomplished.

WATCH THE VIDEO