The Allegheny County (Pennsylvania) Mental Health Court has served as a dedicated criminal court docket for defendants with underlying mental health diagnoses since 2001. During the period from 2010 through 2016, this evaluation found mental health court participants had significantly fewer new arrests in the three years following the conclusion of their cases than similar defendants who went through traditional court.
The evaluation also found the court is driven by a collaborative team dedicated to treating participants with respect and compassion. The evaluation concludes with lessons and recommendations, part of a planning process undertaken by the court with technical assistance from the Center for Court Innovation.