Behavioral Health Court

Division 2 no longer handles Behavioral Health Court matters.

Behavioral Health Court is now handled by Judge Donovan. Please direct all Behavioral Health Court matters, questions, filings, and related inquiries to Division 6.

The Behavioral Health Court (BHC) is a collaboration among the Court, Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, Criminal Justice Services, Defense Attorneys, Local law enforcement, Bert Nash Behavioral Health, substance abuse treatment providers and other community-based treatment.

The Douglas County Behavioral Health Court was established to more effectively address the needs of defendants with serious mental illness who cycle through the court, detention, and mental health systems.

Presiding Judge: The Honorable Stacey Donovan

Mission

The mission of the Behavioral Health Court of Douglas County is to connect defendants with community support services and reduce criminal involvement of defendants who experience serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders, thereby enhancing public health and safety.

Purpose

Less time in jail and less interaction with criminal justice system
Connect participants to mental health treatment and community support servivces
Improve participants' quality of life
Increase public safety
Improve justice systems and mental health coordination

Behavioral Health Court Team - August 2023

Contact Us

Documents

Behavioral Health Court - Presentation (PDF)

Behavioral Health Court Handbook

Behavioral Health Court Manual

Behavioral Health Court Phase Model

BHC Pamphlet

Specialty Court Referral Form

Partner Agencies

Douglas County Sheriff's Office

Lawrence Police Department

Bert Nash Community Health Center

DCCCA

FAQ

What are participants required to do as part of the BHC program?

Participants are required to: 1. Follow a treatment plan. 2. Comply with all court ordered conditions. 3. Obey the terms of supervision. … Read More

What are the eligibility requirements for the BHC program?

The defendant must be a resident of Douglas County, Kansas.The defendant must be 18 years of age or older.The defendant meets the criteria for severe mental illness and this illness contributes to the defendant's criminal behavior.Eligible… Read More

What are the goals of the Behavioral Health Court?

The goals of BHC are as follows:Connect criminal defendants who suffer from serious mental illness to treatment and support services in the community.Improve coordination between the mental health and justice systems for persons with mental illness.… Read More

What happens if I graduate the BHC program?

Upon successful completion of the Behavioral Health Court program, the court will dismiss the participant's charges.

What will exclude a client from being able to participate in the BHC program?

While each case is considered individually, people with the following offenses will typically be excluded from the BHC court:Felony sex offenses.Unresolved out of county charges.Murder and Manslaughter charges.Unresolved KDOC holds. Some cases… Read More

When will the court accept a new referral?

Behavioral Health Court will accept referrals after the filing of criminal charges and the case has been forwarded to the Douglas County District Court for further disposition.

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