From left to right: Judge Janet Gard, Deputy Probation Officer Kristen Nales, Communicare + Ole Behavioral Health Manager Julie Santiago, Communicare + Ole Case Manager Romney Sears, Graduate Daniel Pedro, and Graduate Carlos Bonilla. , alumnus Jordan Carson, Assistant District Attorney Martha Weiss, and Deputy Public Defender Joseph Goeke. (Wendy Wilcox/Provided)
The Mental Health Diversion Court celebrated the graduation of four participants earlier this week, bringing the total number of graduates since the program’s inception to 20.
On Wednesday, Daniel Pedro, Carlos Bonilla, Jordan Carson and one participant who requested anonymity gathered at Yolo Superior Court in The Woodlands to celebrate their journey and accomplishments.
Launched in 2021, the Mental Health Diversion Court is one of Yolo County’s specialized courts designed to enhance public safety and reduce recidivism for people living with mental illness and substance use disorders. However, behavioral health issues are a key factor in the commission’s committee. their crime.
The program, started by Public Defender Tracy Olson and former Yolo County Chief Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Raven, does not fit well with the county’s other two specialty courts, Mental Health Court and Addiction Intervention Court. identified underserved populations;
The program was established to support individuals who do not require as intensive treatment as those eligible for mental health court, but who have the same intentions of increasing treatment and reducing hospitalization and incarceration.
The program accomplishes this goal by supporting client participation in community treatment. Program requirements include maintaining sobriety, adhering to medication regulations as required, attending all required appointments and court hearings, and completing a reflective essay for each of his four stages. Includes writing. This year, 11 graduates were born.
This program is a partnership between the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Probation Department, Sheriff’s Department, Courthouse, and CommuniCare+OLE Health Center, all working together to support our clients.
One customer in attendance congratulated the graduates and reminded them, “This is not the end. This is just the beginning.”
Chief Deputy District Attorney Melinda Aiello praised the graduates’ success.
“Every time you advance or graduate, you examine the program and the resources that have been put into it,” Aiello said.
The graduation ceremony concluded with the men receiving certificates of completion from Judge Janet Gard.
