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Steering Committee on Mental Health and the Justice System

The Task Force on Fair Justice established a subcommittee to examine those that are mentally ill and involved in the justice system. The Subcommittee’s report recommended the Court convene a broad array of justice and mental health stakeholders to identify best practices and cross-agency protocols for those justice-involved individuals who have behavioral health care needs. The ultimate goal of this diverse group is to develop comprehensive, evidence-based best practices in the administration of civil and criminal justice for persons with mental illness. In their final report to the Arizona Judicial Council, the subcommittee recommended the development of a standing committee to advise the Arizona Judicial Council on issues related to mental health in justice system.

The Steering Committee on Mental Health and the Justice System (MHSC) was established by Administrative Order No. 2024-216. Among the charges of the committee are:

  1. Advise the Arizona Judicial Council on matters related to mental health and the justice system and recommend evidence-based best practices in the administration of civil and criminal justice for persons with mental illness.
  2. Serve as a collaborative platform and bring together experts in mental illness, evaluation and treatment, legal and justice system professionals, and stakeholders from within and outside the judiciary.
  3. Identify and implement solutions based on recommended guidelines to improve the treatment of those with a mental illness and the ability of the judiciary to manage cases involving these individuals.
  4. Develop guidelines and best practices to ensure the best possible outcomes for justice involved individuals who have a mental illness and their families.
  5. Recommend any necessary rules and statutory changes and procedural recommendations related to criminal and civil case management, as well as any informational and educational programs as needed.
committee meeting

Next Committee Meeting

September

1

Time: 9 AM - 12 PM


Location: State Courts Building, Conference Room 119

Join the Zoom Webinar
Webinar ID: 959 6258 2693
Passcode: 830064
Conference Number: (602) 753-0140 or (877) 853-5247

To RSVP, please email: [email protected]

 

General Public

You may attend the meetings in person or by conference call. If joining by conference call, please ensure that your telephone is muted. Do not place the call on hold. The “Call to the Public” portion of the agenda is provided for public comment and may occur at any time during the meeting, at the Chair's discretion. Each public comment is limited to 3 minutes. 		Call to the Public

You may address the committee by submitting (1) your name, (2) who you are representing, and (3) subject you wish to speak about by email, a week prior to the meeting. The Chair will call the name of each person when it is time to speak. Please listen to those who go before you and try to avoid repeating statements.
       

 

Contact Us
 
For general inquiries, please feel free to contact committee support staff at:
 
[email protected]
(602) 452-3931
Arizona Supreme Court
Administrative Office of the Courts
1501 W. Washington St., Suite 410
Phoenix, AZ 85007