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Cobb Chief Superior Court Judge Ann B. Harris presided over Mental Health Court (MHC) graduation, where officials, community members, attorneys, family, and friends recognized two participants for successfully completing the program.
MHC serves individuals diagnosed with mental illness who become involved in the criminal justice system, providing structured accountability and comprehensive treatment. Graduates complete an intensive 18- to 24-month program focused on supervision, stability, and long-term recovery. The event highlighted their accomplishments and the optimism surrounding the next chapter of their lives.
Judge Harris reflected on the importance of the program and the progress graduates make throughout their time in MHC. “So much of a judge’s job is dealing with difficult situations, difficult people, and bad choices. Presiding over Mental Health Court is a joy,” said Judge Harris. “To see these folks come from places of despair to hope, from failure to success, from mental ‘unhealth’ to good and stable mental health, is so rewarding. When they complete this program, our participants are equipped with the tools to maintain good mental health for the rest of their lives, and be thriving members of their families, their circle of friends, and our community at large.”
The Cobb County Mental Health Court aims to improve mental health outcomes, promote self-sufficiency, reduce recidivism, and offer cost-effective alternatives to incarceration and hospitalization. The program enhances collaboration between the mental health and criminal justice systems while holding participants accountable and supporting their progress toward becoming successful, law-abiding community members.
Recognized as a Model Court by the Council of Accountability Court Judges, Cobb MHC also serves as a mentor to other courts statewide. The voluntary, judicially supervised program is available pre- or post-adjudication to individuals with documented mental health diagnoses. MHC partners with Highland Rivers Behavioral Health to provide comprehensive treatment services.
One of today’s graduates, Jace, shared how vital the program’s support has been throughout his journey. “Help along the way is the most important aspect and that’s what Mental Health Court is all about; it’s about recovery and growth,” he said, underscoring the program’s impact on participants striving toward stability and long-term success.
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