FACT Docket
During 2024, the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Court worked to better serve different needs of the docket’s clients. One of those is the Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Docket, under the umbrella of the MHDD Court. It is presided over by MHDD Chair Judge Shannon M. Gallagher.
The target population for the FACT docket is individuals who may have low to moderate criminal risk, but also have serious mental illnesses (SMI) and meet community treatment eligibility for the ACT level of supervision. The Forensic Assertive Community Treatment model is a clinical team made up of clinicians, case managers, peer support, psychiatry, and a probation officer. It is designed to keep people with SMI out of the hospital and criminal justice system by providing treatment, hands-on assistance with daily living activities, and recovery supports. One of the unique features of this docket is that the team meets the participants in the community and at Recovery Resources rather than in traditional criminal justice system locations like the courthouse and probation office.
On June 16, Judge Gallagher held the inaugural FACT graduation at Recovery Resources. Three individuals graduated the program and spoke about how the integrated team worked closely with them. The graduation was attended by family members, sponsors, and friends. Additionally, three other participants attended and were celebrated for moving to the next phase of the program. One of those participants also showcased his guitar skills and played one of his newest songs.