Mental Health Issues Beget Hope of Mental Health Court

The combining of mental health resources is soon to give birth to a much needed Mental Health Court in Marion County. A meeting reflects this need as NAMI Marion-Polk honors recognition of Mental Health Week.

Walt Beleau, Marybeth Beall, David Romprey, Judge Dennis Graves Photos by: Lela Taylor

(SALEM) - “Community resources can come together and successfully protect the rights of the mentally ill.” That was the message of Thursday night’s meeting sponsored by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

The gears have been set into motion for Marion County’s first “Mental Health Court” with the pooling together the expertise of Marion County District Attorney Walt Begleau, Marion County Health Department Division Director Marybeth Beall, Consumer Advocate David Romprey, and Circuit Court Judge Dennis Graves.

Many NAMI members were present Thursday evening to find out what this idea of a “Mental Health Court” would mean.

According to information from NAMI, one in five will experience severe mental illness in their lifetime. Mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and serious depression, are more common than cancer, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.

One would not like to think that an individual suffering from heart disease or cancer could find themselves put in jail because of it! I know that is a stretch, but individuals suffering from mental illness and experiencing an episode or relapse of their illness because of no medication, may just find themselves on the other side of the law and in jail!

40 to 50 percent of the population in our jail systems are individuals with a known mental illness. Our current system recognizes this but has no resources to combat it. The creation of a “Mental Health Court” would be the beginning of paving a way for assistance to these citizens.

Marion County D.A. Walt Begleau

D.A. Walt Begleau says the first three basic steps facing this issue are: (1) medication, (2) treatment, and (3) housing. It will take “baby” steps to get this court started. The “Marion County Mental Health Court” is projected to be operating by December, but may take a little longer.

An important factor is the networking of mental health agencies and mental health professionals. The input from “Mental Health Court” would allow individuals to be steered in the right direction when their illness is identified, so a strong networking system is essential.

Those charged with a crime will have their cases assessed on an individual basis not an offense basis. Their participation in the Mental Health Court would be voluntary. Individuals will be given legal advice as to what would be best for them. This will be a court for adults, as there is already a mental health component in the court’s juvenile system.

Begleau stated that he had seen individuals with mental health concerns brought before the courts repeatedly for various crimes; they served their time and were turned loose on society again. Mental Health Court would help recognize these areas and be able to refer individuals to the proper supporting agencies.

Marybeth Beall

Marybeth Beall works with the mental health component in the jail systems and with individuals who appear to have mental health issues. She says that people are not getting the treatment they need to keep them from getting in trouble. Most prevalent is the fact they do not have the means or funds for their prescribed medications.

The practical idea of a Mental Health Court, which has worked in King County Washington for many years, is that it would help create a more effective and compassionate court system.

An emotional commentary by Circuit Court Judge Dennis Graves gave more justification as to why this idea is so important. He stated that the objective of Mental Health Court is to help individuals meet goals and get the help they need. He gave testimony as to the success of the “Drug Court” and feels the “Mental Health Court” would also benefit a population being ignored by our justice system.

Judge Dennis Graves

Judge Graves also reiterated what Begleau stated - housing is a very important part of this component of assistance for the mentally ill. The emergence back into society is very difficult after being in jail if there is no place for them to live.

Consumer Advocate David Romprey emphasized the importance of peer mentoring in the process of this Court. He was very encouraged by the presence of individuals from so many agencies willing to work together.

As an individual who has suffered with manic depression for years and has learned to function in the world around him, David has become a positive active peer advocate in the arena of mental illness. He also sees the need for a “Mental Health Court” as an integral component to help the mentally ill lead healthy lives.

It is important to note that this is not a cash-driven project. The professionals involved are putting this together because of the need for our community as a whole.

D.A. Begleau said, “Build it and they will come.” This reporter took this to mean: Once the foundation is laid, the mental health community and our community as a whole will come forth and enjoy the rewards of the Marion County Mental Health Court.

For further information concerning this issues, please contact NAMI-Oregon at 1-800-343-6264 or www.nami.org

Other Related links concerning mental illness: Oregon Family Support Network, Inc.: www.ofsn.org