Gordon McLaughlin: Mental health treatment is essential to criminal justice system

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Emphasis Report

Introduction

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in the criminal justice system, treatment of mental health is essential to our mission of community safety and finding just outcomes in the cases we handle. Mental health struggles, of widely varying degrees, are a significant contributing factor to many cases we see at the District Attorney’s Office, and addressing the root causes of crime is the best way to ensure that someone doesn’t commit the same offense again. In other words, accountability through rehabilitation is often the most reliable way to reduce recidivism.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Across our community, we have seen mental health needs on the rise for decades, and the COVID pandemic exacerbated an already severe problem. Many cases we see involve low-level offenses, first-time or young offenders and those experiencing identifiable and treatable mental health challenges. When our deputy district attorneys evaluate a case, they are trained to spot struggles with mental health, addiction and other systemic obstacles that may have contributed to the defendant landing in the criminal justice system and determine if they make good candidates for resolutions that prioritize rehabilitation and resources rather than incarceration.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Among those options is the District Attorney’s Behavioral Health Adult Diversion (BHAD) program, which launched in 2021. Diversion is an alternative to traditional criminal justice paths that provides a way out of the system, without a conviction, for lower-level crimes where someone adequately addresses their behavior. In May 2023, a 70-year-old male was referred to BHAD following an arrest for harassing a store employee. It was determined that he was experiencing a significant mental health crisis at the time of the incident. He entered BHAD and engaged in mental health treatment for six months through our partners at SummitStone. He successfully completed the treatment and has remained law-abiding ever since. Overall, the BHAD success rate for 2023 was 87%.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The 8th Judicial District also offers several problem-solving courts, including a wellness court designed for defendants with severe and persistent mental health needs that require more intensive supervision. The collaborative team includes a judge, court staff, mental health professionals and a deputy district attorney, who work to closely supervise defendants, ensuring they meet stringent treatment requirements and are connected with community resources to ensure they remain contributing members of the community long after any sentence expires. In 2023, the wellness court served 52 defendants and has achieved far better case outcomes than when those same high-needs defendants are placed on standard probation or incarcerated.

Conclusion

Larimer County also has a growing network of resources outside of the justice system which aid in reducing and preventing crime. The new Larimer County Behavioral Health Services at Longview Campus is a terrific example of the collaboration needed to solve complex problems like mental health crises and addiction. Since opening in December of 2023, the facility has already been utilized extensively. As their capacity opens to wider use by the justice system, we will see benefits that reverberate throughout community.

About the Author

Gordon P. McLaughlin is a district attorney of the 8th Judicial District serving Larimer and Jackson Counties.

## Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

### SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
– The article addresses mental health struggles and the need for treatment to ensure community safety and just outcomes in the criminal justice system.

### SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
– The article discusses the importance of addressing root causes of crime, accountability through rehabilitation, and providing alternatives to traditional criminal justice paths.

## Specific Targets and Indicators

### SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
– **Target 3.4**: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
– **Indicator**: Success rate of programs like the District Attorney’s Behavioral Health Adult Diversion (BHAD) program in addressing mental health challenges and reducing recidivism.

### SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
– **Target 16.3**: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
– **Indicator**: Case outcomes of problem-solving courts like the wellness court and the effectiveness of alternative programs in reducing crime rates.

## Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|—————————————-|———————————————————————————————–|——————————————————————————————————————–|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases | Success rate of programs like BHAD in addressing mental health challenges and reducing recidivism |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Institutions| Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at national and international levels | Case outcomes of problem-solving courts like wellness court and effectiveness of alternative programs in reducing crime rates |

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Fuente: reporterherald.com

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