The Mental Health Diversion Court celebrated the graduation of four participants earlier this week bringing the total number of graduations to 20 since the program began.
On Wednesday, Daniel Pedro, Carlos Bonilla, Jordan Carson and one participant who asked to remain anonymous gathered at Yolo Superior Court in Woodland to celebrate their individual journeys and accomplishments.
Launched in 2021, Mental Health Diversion Court is one of Yolo County's specialty courts that aims to enhance public safety and reduce recidivism of those who live with mental illness and/or a substance use disorder whose behavioral health issues were a significant factor in the commission of their crime.
The program was started by Public Defender Tracie Olson and former Yolo County Chief Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Raven, who identified an underserved population who didn't quite fit into the county's two other specialty courts, Mental Health Court and Addiction Intervention Court.
The program was established to support individuals who do not require as intensive treatment as those who qualify for Mental Health Court but with the same intent to increase treatment and reduce hospitalizations and incarceration.
The program accomplishes this goal by supporting clients' participation in community treatment. Program requirements include maintaining sobriety, being medication compliant if appropriate, attending all required appointments and court hearings and writing reflective essays for each of the four phases to be completed. This year they have had 11 graduations.
The program is done with collaboration of the District Attorney's Office, the Public Defender's Office, the Probation Department, the Sheriff's Department, the Court and CommuniCare+OLE Health Centers all working together to support the clients.
One of the attending clients congratulated the graduates and reminded them, "This isn't the end, this is just the beginning."
Chief Deputy District Attorney Melinda Aiello praised the graduates on their success.
"Every time you move up or graduate, you validate the program and the resources that we put into it," Aiello said.
The men were presented their certificates of completion by Judge Janet Gaard to conclude the graduation ceremony.
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