Steubenville's City Mental Health Court Receives Recertification | Latest Updates on News, Sports, and Employment

In a recent announcement by Judge John Mascio, it has been confirmed that the Steubenville Municipal Court in Ohio has received recertification as one of only 40 mental health courts across the nation. The Ohio Supreme Court's reaffirmation validates the court's commitment to providing crucial resources and treatment to offenders diagnosed with serious or severe mental illnesses, which have played a role in their involvement with the criminal justice system. This recertification, extending until December 13, 2026, enables the court to continue fostering accountability, independence, and stability among participants, ultimately leading to reduced interaction with the criminal justice system and improved overall quality of life. Notably, the court also offers drug and alcohol treatment services to offenders.

Judge Mascio admitted to initially being hesitant about developing a specialized docket like the Mental Health Court. However, he has become an ardent supporter of the program since its inception in 2018, remarking that it has become his favorite part of the work week. Witnessing the transformative impact the program has on participants, he emphasizes the dedicated effort and hard work required, while expressing gratitude to former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Stratton for prompting a change in his perspective.

Stratton serves as the project director of the Ohio Initiative, which aims to reduce the number of individuals with mental illnesses in prisons across the state. The Growth Initiative, a part of this project, equips counties with data-based strategies to address mental illness and co-occurring disorders, such as alcohol and drug addiction, in local jails. Steubenville's Mental Health Court, limited to non-violent misdemeanor offenders, serves as a cornerstone of this effort, providing participants with a tailored program spanning at least one year. Weekly meetings with the court's treatment team, comprising court staff, community treatment providers, and other stakeholders, form an integral part of the program.

To obtain recertification, the local court underwent a rigorous process, including the submission of a comprehensive application and a visit from an observer appointed by the Ohio Supreme Court. The observer assessed compliance with certification standards introduced in January 2014, considering case law and specific program materials.

Since its initial certification on May 19, 2021, the Steubenville Municipal Court's Mental Health Court has referred 53 individuals to the specialized docket, boasting an impressive 78 percent success rate. Success is determined by participants remaining free of criminal offenses within one year of completing the program. Judge Mascio highlights that the program's achievements extend beyond individual participants, benefiting the entire community. By providing the necessary tools for a law-abiding and productive life, the program not only reduces court orders but also saves taxpayers significant expenses by avoiding the costs of incarcerating offenders, which amount to approximately $60 per day.

The program's coordinator, Lisa Hall, plays a crucial role in monitoring participants' treatment progress and offering recommendations to the treatment team. Importantly, the program operates on grant funding awarded by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, incurring no costs for the city of Steubenville. Judge Mascio expresses the rewarding nature of the program for himself, the treatment team, and the participants. Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy of the Ohio Supreme Court commended the Steubenville Municipal Court for meeting the required standards, emphasizing the positive impact of their efforts.

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