Tazewell, VA (WOAY) The Tazewell County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office has been awarded a grant to launch a new Mental Health Court.
The funding comes through the Supreme Court of Virginia’s Office of the Executive Secretary and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.
It will support the development of a specialized court program for individuals in the criminal justice system living with serious mental illness.
The Mental Health Court will focus on public safety and accountability, while connecting eligible non-violent offenders with treatment, supervision, and community-based support.
The goal of the court is to reduce repeat offenses and improve long-term outcomes.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Chris Plaster says the program represents hope for participants and their families, and will help address the underlying causes of criminal behavior.
Planning is underway now, with the court expected to launch this fall.
