Texas’ Hidalgo County Looks at Non-Punitive Options For Mentally Ill Defendants

Circle Connections: New Products & Services Hidalgo County will explore a non-punitive approach to stop the "revolving door" for those with a mental illness who wind up in jail. The county is developing a strategic plan to identify and treat people with a mental illness who come into contact with the county's criminal justice system. By bringing together the county's judicial system, law enforcement agencies and the mental health providers, the county plans to develop programs that prevent the unnecessary incarceration of mentally ill offenders and find ways to get them needed treatment. This was reported by . . .