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Southwest Iowa Mental Health Court is an alternative to jail for persons with chronic mental health needs who commit crimes meeting established criteria.

Mental Health Court (MHC) is an intensive individualized service that will help offenders with chronic mental health needs treat their illness, take their medication as prescribed, meet their basic food and shelter needs, and avoid expensive incarceration or hospitalization.

It is a sentence that provides maximum opportunity for the rehabilitation of the defendant, the protection of the community from further offenses by the defendant and consideration of victim’s rights and safety.

Acceptance to Enter Mental Health Court Program

To be considered for acceptance into Mental Health Court an applicant and their attorney will complete and sign the application forms. Only applications submitted by a defendant’s attorney will be considered. 

Application forms are below (forms must be completed by the defendant and his/her attorney of record). 

A completed application form shall be submitted by the Defense Attorney, either on paper or electronically, to James Hansen at james.hansen@pottcounty-ia.gov and/or Kelly Jennings (4th District PO) kelly.jennings@iowa.gov.

Helpful Links & Documents 

MHC Overview

MHC Criteria

MHC Application

MHC Interagency Release of Information

This page was printed from the Southwest Iowa Mental Health & Disability Services Region on October 8, 2024. For the latest information, visit swiamhds.org.

988 - 24/7 Crisis & Support.

988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress, including:

Call or text 988 or chat. 988lifeline.org for yourself or if you are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.