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 defendants with co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance abuse) will be evaluated for the Behavioral Health Court.
  • The court prioritizes defendants with non-violent offenses, but defendants with other offenses will be considered for the BHC on a case-by-case basis.