Page 15 - Department Overview 2020

ADULT SERVICES DIVISION

MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT COURT

(MHTC)

The post-plea Mental Health Treatment Court (MHTC) is a twelve (12) to eighteen
(18) month program which can be inclusive of six (6) months or more of aftercare
for clients who have been diagnosed and are currently suffering from a serious and

persistent mental illness. Collaboration among the Court, Probation, District
Attorney, Public Defender, Behavioral Wellness, and community based organizations
(CBOs) provide referrals and recommendations to serve this high risk population.

VETERAN'S TREATMENT COURT (VTC)

The Veteran's Treatment Court (VTC) is a collaboration involving the Court,
Probation, Behavioral Wellness, and a community based organizations (CBOs) and
the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). VTC serves the highest risk veterans

with substance dependency and/or mental illness that are charged with non-violent
criminal conduct. The primary goals of the VTC are to affirm veterans’ military
service while addressing their unique needs by increasing local, culturally

competent treatment options with the VA, veteran organizations, and service
agencies; to implement a Veteran Mentor Program to support clients in sustaining
recovery and sobriety; and to use evidence-based screening and assessment tools to
link the veteran to appropriate services, reduce incarceration rates, and facilitate

their reintegration to the community. VTC is a post-plea program that utilizes the
Substance Abuse Treatment Court (SATC) treatment team approach to case
management. VTC also provides a pre-plea Diversion track for veterans charged
with a misdemeanor offense and who meet eligibility criteria under 1001.80 PC.

Upon successful completion of this program, which can range from six (6) months -
two (2) years in duration, charges are dismissed. Unsuccessful completion results in
criminal proceedings being reinstated.

On June 7, 2017, the Santa Barbara County Probation Department was awarded a
three (3) year grant totaling $975,000 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment

(CSAT).

Santa Barbara County Probation Department Overview 2020 13