Resources

SCCMHA enjoys a number of business relationships in the Saginaw community which benefit consumers and/or contribute to local planning & program development.

Network Providers

Other Key Partners

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Michigan Department of Corrections
Saginaw County Community Corrections
Saginaw County Drug Treatment Court

Mental Health courts are an innovative alternative to incarceration with emphasis on accountability and intensive monitoring for individuals charged with felonies.­ The Saginaw County Mental Health Court (MHC) removes defendants from the crowded courtrooms of the traditional criminal justice system and places them in a new type of courtroom environment.­ In this environment, they undergo treatment and counseling, make regular appearances before the judge, and are monitored closely for program compliance.­ While Mental Health Courts may vary statewide in scope, organization and points of intervention, all share an underlying premise that crime committed by a mentally ill person is not simply a law enforcement or criminal justice problem but a public health problem.­ Mental Health Court programs see the court, specifically the judge, as filling a role that goes beyond that of adjudication.

The program is a diversion opportunity for misdemeanor offense and some felony offenders who are mentally ill and have not been successful in their compliance with treatment.­ The program consists of frequent appearances before the MHC judge, mandatory mental health programming, regular visits with the Probation Officer, substance treatment for those co-occurring substance use disorders, and substance abuse testing.­ For more information, contact Nigela Disha Cotton, SCCMHA Jail Diversion Specialist at ndishacotten@sccmha.org or at (989) 797-3578.­