Bucks County Wellness Court Program
The Bucks County Wellness Court (formerly Mental Health Court) is a court-supervised, intensive case management program for individuals who have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness that has contributed to them being involved in the criminal justice system.
People with mental illness are more likely to be jailed than receive medical care during a crisis. With roughly 2 million entering jails each year, most are not violent and often haven’t been convicted of a crime.
In jail, they rarely get proper treatment, their conditions worsen, and they face longer stays and higher risks. Seriously mentally ill individuals are also more likely to be detained longer than sentencing maximums, denied probation or parole, and placed in isolation.
After release, lack of healthcare, housing, and job opportunities often leads to homelessness and re-arrest. This cycle strains public resources without improving safety or addressing the real needs of those affected.
To address this crisis, the Bucks County Wellness Court was established. Instead of jailing these defendants, participants receive community-based services and treatment.
Eligibility & Acceptance into the Bucks County Recovery Court Program
Who is Eligible for the Wellness Court Program in Bucks County?
The Bucks County Wellness Court Program serves two populations:
To be considered for referral to the Bucks County Wellness Court Program, the applicant must provide:
Applicant must have received a diagnosis of a serious and persistent mental illness as defined by OMHSAS within the past 2 years.
Diagnoses which meet the criteria and as defined in the DSM-5 include:
Individuals who do not have a current documented diagnosis or documented diagnosis by history within the last two years must complete an appropriate psychological/psychiatric evaluation to document a diagnosis.
Applicant must also meet OMHSAS standards for Blended Case Management or Administrative Case Management
Treatment History must encompass one or more of the following:
Treatment Court in Bucks County: Recovery & Wellness Courts
Treatment Courts help lead people living with substance use and mental health disorders out of the justice system and into lives of recovery and stability. This video provides an overview of two Treatment Court options in Bucks County – Recovery & Wellness Courts.
*Wellness Court information starts at the 5 minute mark.
Overview of the Wellness Court Program in Bucks County
How long does it take to complete the Wellness Court program?
The length of participation in the Bucks County Wellness Court Program is expected to be between 15 and 24 months. However, individuals will have up to 5 years to complete the program.
Moreover, rewards are used to acknowledge and encourage progress and success, and sanctions are utilized in the event of non-compliance.
The Wellness Court program consists of 5 Phases, including a Transition Phase.
Phase I begins with weekly appointments with the participants’s probation officer along with a weekly court appearance. Phase I also includes an introductory period of time to allow participants to adjust to the requirements of the Court.
The duration of the phases is as follows:
After the minimum phase duration, participants who have met the standards of the phase requirements and demonstrated consistent compliance with their treatment and goal plans will be promoted to the next phase.
With each successive phase, participants are monitored less frequently and less intensively if they continue to follow their treatment and goal plans.
Successful Completion of the Wellness Court Program in Bucks County
Probation/Parole Violators
For participants who are probation/parole violators, successful completion of Wellness Court may result in the reduction or termination of any remaining supervision.
Post-Plea, Pre-Sentence Offenders
For participants in the pretrial program, after entering a plea of guilty, sentencing will be deferred pending completion of the Wellness Court Program. Upon successful completion, the participant’s charges may be reduced, and the participant may be placed on probation.
Failure to Complete the Bucks County Wellness Court Program
Compliance with all Wellness Court Program requirements is a condition of the program.
Failure to comply with these requirements will result in expulsion from the program.
The defendant’s case will then proceed through the normal criminal case process in the Court of Common Pleas in Doylestown for trial. Here the defendant will face higher costs and additional penalties that may include formal probation, incarceration, driver’s license suspension, and a
permanent criminal record.
Bucks County Wellness Court Program Attorney
Criminal defense attorney Keith J. Williams, Esq. has decades of experience defending clients against criminal charges and has a comprehensive understanding of the laws and procedures the Bucks County Wellness Court Program.
As an experienced attorney, Keith J. Williams can help determine if you are eligible for the Bucks County Wellness Court Program, if the program is the right option for you, help you successfully apply for admission, and guide you through this difficult time.
For more information on the Bucks County Wellness Court Program, call experienced attorney Keith J. Williams now at 215-340-1134!
To find out if you are eligible for the Bucks County Wellness Court Program, call Keith J. Williams at 215-340-1134.
Need an Award-Winning Lawyer? Contact Keith J. Williams Law Today!
