Pretrial/Behavioral Health Docket

Virginia allows specialized dockets within the existing structure of the circuit and district court systems that offer Judicial monitoring of intensive treatment: supervision; and remediation integral to case disposition. Behavioral Health dockets were developed in response to the over-representation of individuals with mental health condition(s) in the criminal justice system. Such programs aim to divert eligible individuals with a diagnosed mental health condition into judicially supervised, community-based treatment, designed and implemented by a team of court staff and mental health professionals. These programs are distinguished by several unique elements: a problem-solving focus; a team approach to decision-making; integration of social services; judicial supervision of the treatment process; direct interaction between participants and the judge; community outreach; and a proactive role for the judge.

Through voluntary admission, eligible individuals are invited to participate in the BHD Program. Once admitted to the program,  the goal of the program is to apply evidence-based tools to empower and develop the potential for successful community reintegration, enhance public safety, and provide a multidisciplinary approach in addressing justice-involved SMI/DD/DD individuals to improve mental health and criminal justice outcomes.