Monday Regular Meeting with Mental Health Court Linkage Supervisor

Posted on September 13, 2014 by southbaynami

Lana LaMotte, the Mental Health Court Linkage Supervisor for Service Area 8, will be speaking about the Mental Health Court Linkage Program at the regular monthly meeting on Monday September 15. The Court Linkage Program serves adults with a mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system. The meeting will be at the First Lutheran Church (for time and address see below)

The Court Liaison Program (CLP) is a collaboration between the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the Los Angeles County Superior Court. It is staffed by a team of 14 mental health clinicians who are co-located at 20 courts countywide. This program incorporates the “no wrong door” philosophy by offering the courtroom as an entry point for services. The objectives of the program are to increase coordination and collaboration between the criminal justice and mental health systems, improve access to mental health services and supports, and enhance continuity of care. The CLP further aims to provide ongoing support to families and to educate the court and the community at large regarding the specific needs of these individuals. Participation is voluntary and available to those 18 and above.

Services include:

On-site courthouse outreach to defendants
Individual service needs assessments
Information to consumers and the Court of available treatment options
Development of alternative and post-release plans that take into account best fit treatment alternatives and Court stipulations
Linking of consumers to treatment programs and expedition of mental health referrals
Support and assistance to defendants and families in navigating the court system

Court Liaison Program staff coordinate and integrate services between the courts, Jail Mental Health and community based Service Area Navigators, with particular focus on balancing the needs of individuals and the expectations of the judicial system. The CLP endorses a culture of collaboration within each courtroom where the CLP staff are present, and the department core values of HOPE, WELLNESS & RECOVERY to the criminal justice system as a whole.