Behavioral Health Docket
The Henrico General District Behavioral Health Docket is a voluntary program that follows a post plea predispositional model. The Henrico County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office provides referrals to the multidisciplinary BHD team, which consists of representatives from the Defense Counsel, Henrico County Probation, Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services, Henrico County Police, Henrico General District Court and the Judge. Mental Health staff and Probation staff assess defendants who are on bond, and report findings to the team. A conjoint decision about admission is based on nexus between the offense and mental illness, legal history, and engagement and willingness of the defendant. Participants are provided case management services and are linked to resources, entitlements, psychiatric services, group, peer and substance use treatment. Participants attend frequent court hearings and graduate after completing 5 stages of programming. Participants are transitioned to long term services prior to graduating from the Behavioral Health Docket. To be eligible for the program defendants must be diagnosed with a serious mental illness, be assessed to be in the action stage of change, be assessed to be of medium to high risk, be competent, be willing to engage in all recommended treatment, reside in the Greater Richmond Area, and be charged with nonviolent offenses
For a complete description please see the link below.