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Municipal mental health court wins CSS award
BENJAMIN WHITE
Associate Editor
Published: May 21, 2013
The Akron Municipal Court’s Mental Health Court program, the first of its kind in Ohio, recently received the 2013 Community Service Partner of the Year Award from Community Support Services. The mental health-focused organization presented the award as part of its annual board meeting and staff celebration on April 18.
Though the nonprofit recognized the mental health court specifically, it acknowledged the many organizations that contribute to the program. CSS, Summit Psychological Associates, Oriana House, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, the Legal Defender’s Office of Summit County, the city prosecutor’s office and the county Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board all play critical roles in the daily operations of the mental health docket.
Judge Annalisa Williams, who took control of the docket when Judge Stormer left the municipal bench in 2004, has hosted over 25 visits from public servants from communities across Ohio and the nation who planned to start their own mental health courts programs. The Council of State Government selected Judge Williams’ court as one of five National Learning Sites throughout the country.
“The court is honored to receive the 2013 Community Service Partner of the Year award from CSS,” said Court Administrator Montrella Jackson.
“Judge Williams is very passionate about the program. Her leadership and commitment has been a crucial component to the success of the program.”
The court, started by current Summit County Common Pleas Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer in 2001, aims to divert mentally ill offenders from the criminal justice system, instead finding them help from the area’s robust mental health options. Each of the offenders, the number of which ranges from about 30 to 120, are placed on probation for 18 months and offered personal assistance in managing their lives and staying out of trouble.
Along with her regular judicial duties, Judge Williams personally oversees each participant with weekly reports during each mental health court session. Those who complete the program participate in a commencement ceremony before Judge Williams dismisses their original cases. Eligible participants must have been diagnosed with a major mental illness and must be able to follow the requirements of the program.
Since its inception, the mental health court has served over 500 individuals from Akron, Fairlawn; the townships of Bath, Richfield and Springfield; the villages of Lakemore and Richfield and the portion of Mogadore within Summit County. About 200 entrants have successfully completed the program.
Judge Williams stressed the collaborative nature of the mental health court.
“It takes everyone working together to make the program a successful endeavor,” she said. “It is not a program that one person or agency can do on their own.”
Among those Judge Williams thanked were the CSS case managers, Crisis Intervention Team officers, probation officers and the Oriana House staff.
At the award ceremony, Baymont Inn and Suites received the Community Employer of the Year distinction for consistently employing persons with mental illnesses and promoting some to permanent positions.
The Black Keys and the First Congregational Church of Hudson shared the annual Donor of the Year Award for their charity. The Black Keys donated a portion of each ticket from their 2012/2013 tour to Community Support Services, supplying the organization with nearly $15,000.