Gov. Kathy Hochul calls for more prison cameras after inmate deaths at several New York State prisons. According to state officials, the push for enhanced monitoring infrastructure follows a series of fatal incidents behind bars, including an ongoing Attorney General probe launched in February to determine whether correction officers played a role in a suicide at Sing Sing Correctional Facility.
Westchester County Launches Court-Based Mental Health Navigator Program
To address the revolving door of the criminal justice system, Westchester County has launched a new Court-Based Mental Health Navigator Program. According to County Executive Ken Jenkins, the initiative connects individuals with mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system with treatment, housing, transportation, and community services while their cases are pending. The program is available to defendants facing misdemeanor or felony charges who carry a diagnosed mental illness.
“Navigating the criminal justice system can be difficult and especially for those with mental health or substance use issues,” Jenkins said in a press release. “Reducing the times someone is engaged in the criminal justice system by finding them the real help that they need is a win for everyone.”
Expanding Support Across Local Courts
The program places mental health navigators directly within local courts to streamline access to care. Referrals can be made by the court, or defendants can request services on their own. Deputy Department of Community Mental Health Commissioner Joseph Glazer stated in a news release that early intervention gives participants a better chance of long-term success by providing lasting community resources rather than short-term assistance.
“By connecting individuals to services, we improve public safety by reducing the cycles of incarceration and reduce jail time all while finding the treatment that is needed to avoid the criminal justice system in the future,” Glazer said.
Program Director Michelle Hart noted that expanding the county’s presence in local courts has strengthened relationships with local judges. “We have developed a real partnership with the courts and judges who understand that long incarceration is not always the best solution to help put people on a path to success,” Hart said. “Connecting to services helps to avoid repeated court appearances and improves overall well-being.”
Covered Municipalities in Westchester County
The Court-Based Mental Health Navigator Program is rolling out across numerous municipal courts in the region. According to county announcements, the participating courts serve:
- Cortlandt
- Dobbs Ferry
- Hastings-on-Hudson
- Mount Kisco
- Mount Pleasant
- North Castle
- Ossining
- Peekskill
- Tarrytown
- Yorktown
Did you know? Mental health navigators assist eligible defendants with meeting court requirements while simultaneously coordinating housing, transportation, and clinical treatment to reduce future court appearances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Westchester Court-Based Mental Health Navigator Program?
The program is available to individuals facing misdemeanor or felony charges who have been diagnosed with a mental illness.
How do defendants enter the program?
Referrals can be made directly by the court, or defendants can request services on their own initiative.
What services do the mental health navigators provide?
Navigators connect participants with treatment, housing, transportation, and other community services while helping them meet their court requirements.
Which courts are currently introducing the program?
The program is being introduced in courts serving Cortlandt, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson, Mount Kisco, Mount Pleasant, North Castle, Ossining, Peekskill, Tarrytown, and Yorktown.
What are your thoughts on expanding mental health navigation services within local court systems? Share your perspective in the comments below, and explore our site for more updates on criminal justice reforms and local policy changes.
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