Fresh Start for Five Cobb Mental Health Court Graduates

From the Cobb County Superior Court:

The Cobb County Mental Health Court (MHC) held its third graduation ceremony at 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 4 at the Cobb Superior Court, Ceremonial Courtroom on the second floor. Five men and women have fulfilled all the requirements of the rigorous court program. This ceremony marks their completion of a 24 month treatment – based curriculum for defendants with a documented mental health diagnosis.

“Our graduates have worked for months to complete each and every element of Mental Health Court. Graduation will recognize their tenacity and hard work.” says Adrienne Bowen, Mental Health Court Coordinator. “Each participant comes to MHC with a unique set of issues- as well as skills, strengths, and determination. The MHC provides structure and accountability to address issues while enhancing the skills and strengths.”

According to the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, 33% of the current inmate population is diagnosed with a mental illness, and an estimated $300,000.00 is spent annually on medications to treat these illnesses. The Cobb County MHC seeks to stop the revolving door and address the actual problem instead of the symptom.

MHC is one of three Accountability Courts offered in the Cobb Superior Court, and began under the direction of Judge Mary Staley Clark on April 24, 2013. MHC strives to improve mental health, promote self sufficiency, reduce recidivism, and offer cost effective alternatives to incarceration and hospitalization. MHC represents an effort to increase effective cooperation between two systems that have traditionally not worked closely together- The Mental Health System and The Criminal Justice System. MHC holds defendants accountable and assists participants in achieving long term stability, become law abiding citizens, and successful family/ community members.

For more information, please call Adrienne Bowen at 770-528- 8106 or email Adrienne at
adrienne.bowen@cobbcounty.org.

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