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Mental health court-approved, Baldwin court will be the first one south of Montgomery


WPMI-Mental health court-approved, Baldwin court will be the first one south of Montgomery
WPMI-Mental health court-approved, Baldwin court will be the first one south of Montgomery
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A local lawmaker has successfully fought to bring a mental health court to Baldwin County.

For months, state representative Matt Simpson has worked hard to push the mental health bill through the house and senate.

Today, it was announced the mentally ill who have committed nonviolent crimes, will now get help instead of sitting in jail.

"Years ago we realized the biggest providers of mental health treatment is in the state department of corrections and county jails. Something didn't seem right with that picture," said Bob Wilters Baldwin County D.A.

Baldwin County has found a way to fix that picture.

Local and state leaders announced a mental health court is coming to the county, the only one south of Montgomery.

"It's a diversion court very similar to drug court operating in Baldwin county. What this does is it gets help for those suffering from mental illness... Those nonviolent acts and ..to get help...To support they need in this county," said State Rep. Matt Simpson.

For years law enforcement has said the jails were overflowing with those who are mentally ill.

"A lot of people who are in the jail that's not where they need to be," said Major Milton with Baldwin County Sheriffs Office.

100,000 dollars in grant money will be used to start the program.

The rest of the money will come from a 10 dollar increase in court fees from those who commit crimes.


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