Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — The 12th District Court in Jackson County is once again providing a Mental Health Court as they previously did from 2008-2021 before, according to county documents, COVID-era staffing and service issues made its closure necessary.
Funding for the mental health court will come from the Michigan State Court Administrative Office via grant in the amount of $103,286. There is no match from Jackson County required for this grant.
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners approved the acceptance of this grant at their November 18 meeting.
This allows for the 12th District Court to provide specialized services to those individuals who are charged with misdemeanor and felony related offenses who are diagnosed with a mental health disorder.
The goals of this initiative include reducing the number of individuals lodged in the jail, as well as reducing recidivism, which county officials say will have a direct positive impact on the local community.
12th District Court Judge Robert K. Gaecke Jr. is serving as the Presiding Judge over the Mental Health Court.
Individuals must be a county resident to be eligible for this service, and mental illness must be a component of the crime for which they are charged.