Pennington County Mental Health Court - South Dakota
Transcript Of Pennington County Mental Health Court - South Dakota
PARTICIPANT HANDBOOK
PENNINGTON COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH COURT
Judge Jeff Connolly 3PM–5PM on Tuesdays
Courtroom C1
Pennington County Courthouse 315 Saint Joseph Street Rapid City, SD (605) 394-2595
Updated May 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WELCOME TO MENTAL HEALTH COURT!........................................................................................... 1 MENTAL HEALTH COURT TEAM ......................................................................................................... 2 PARTICIPANT RIGHTS .......................................................................................................................... 3 DEFENSE ATTORNEY.............................................................................................................................3 MENTAL HEALTH COURT SCHEDULE ................................................................................................. 4
TEAM STAFFING: 2PM–3PM ON TUESDAYS .....................................................................................................................................4 MENTAL HEALTH COURT: 3PM–5PM ON TUESDAYS ...................................................................................................................4 COURTROOM RULES: ..............................................................................................................................................................................4
OTHER MENTAL HEALTH COURT RULES............................................................................................5
Follow all directions from the Mental Health Court Team........................................................................................................5 Follow all laws .............................................................................................................................................................................................5 Show up and be on time for ALL appointments...........................................................................................................................5 Be honest and try in treatment............................................................................................................................................................5 Stay in contact with probation.............................................................................................................................................................6 Stay in contact with your Recovery Coach ......................................................................................................................................6 Use and update your planner every day ..........................................................................................................................................7 Change people, places and things .....................................................................................................................................................7 Live in a safe and sober place that supports your recovery.....................................................................................................7 Keep yourself and your home environment clean and tidy .....................................................................................................8 Do not have or use drugs or alcohol.................................................................................................................................................9 Do all drug/alcohol tests as directed ................................................................................................................................................9 Tell treatment and probation about ALL medications, pills, and supplements you are taking .............................. 10 Take all medication as prescribed ................................................................................................................................................... 11 Be available for medication delivery ............................................................................................................................................... 11 Attend and participate in recovery support group meetings if recommended by your TNA ................................. 11 Find a recovery sponsor and work a recovery program if recommended by your TNA ........................................... 11 Build a positive social support network and be involved in positive activities in the community......................... 12 Do a 40-hour Pay It Forward Project in Phase 4 & Phase 5 before Commencement. ............................................... 12 Work or go to school ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13 Make and follow a budget.................................................................................................................................................................. 13 Pay your Mental Health Court costs ............................................................................................................................................... 14 Do not drive without a valid Driver’s License and current vehicle insurance ................................................................. 14 Do not gamble ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 15 Stay out of bars, liquor stores, CBD stores and marijuana dispensaries .......................................................................... 15
WRITTEN REQUESTS...........................................................................................................................16
SPECIAL REQUEST .................................................................................................................................................................................. 16 FINANCIAL REQUEST with BUDGET ................................................................................................................................................ 16 TRIP REQUESTS ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
HOLIDAY PLANS .................................................................................................................................16 THERAPEUTIC ADJUSTMENTS ..........................................................................................................17 INCENTIVES .........................................................................................................................................17 SANCTIONS .........................................................................................................................................18 PROGRAM PHASES.............................................................................................................................19 COMMENCEMENT ..............................................................................................................................22 TERMINATION ....................................................................................................................................23
Mental Health Court Handbook Updated May 2022
WELCOME TO MENTAL HEALTH COURT!
Mental Health Court will give you tools to change your life. The program uses intensive probation supervision and treatment to help you change. You will have regular contact with the Mental Health Court Judge, probation, and treatment. You will participate in mental health treatment, addiction treatment as needed, group and individual treatment sessions, regular Mental Health Court hearings, drug/alcohol testing, and support group meetings. Other activities should be expected because each person’s path to recovery is different. Mental Health Court takes more than 14 months to complete.
Mental Health Court’s goal is RECOVERY. “Recovery” is defined as a process of change
through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.
MENTAL HEALTH COURT GIVES YOU A CHANCE TO IMPROVE YOUR:
Health
Home
Purpose
Community
Achieve sobriety Address mental health
problems Improve physical
health
Have a safe and stable place to live
Have a clean and healthy place to live
Have meaningful daily activities (job, school, volunteering, family caretaking, creative projects)
Be a productive member of society
Build relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope
You must follow the rules of Mental Health Court and the directions given by the Mental
Health Court Judge and Mental Health Court Team. Read this Handbook carefully. It
tells you what to expect in Mental Health Court. You can share this handbook with your family and friends.
The Judge and the Team are here to help you, but
the final responsibility is yours. We know that with hard work, honesty, and commitment to recovery you can be successful.
Mental Health Court Handbook Updated May 2022
Page 1
MENTAL HEALTH COURT TEAM
The Mental Health Court Judge makes all the final decisions about your Mental Health Court case, with help from the Mental Health Court Team. Team members are:
Judge Jeff Connolly Coordinator Ashlee May Prosecutor Tim Snyder Defense Attorney Ashley Parr Probation Officer Adam Ohman Mental Health Treatment Provider Alexandra Sterling (BMS) Recovery Coach Ashli Merchen (BMS) Recovery Coach Kristi Fischer (BMS) Addiction Treatment Provider Amanda Whelchel (ATS) Captain Casey Munsch (Pennington County Jail)
Defense Attorney: Ashley Parr
2525 West Main Street, Suite 307 Call or Text: (605) 388-2050 | Email: [email protected]
Probation Officer: Adam Ohman
315 Saint Joseph Street (Pennington County Courthouse) 2nd Floor Cell: (605) 381-9920
Behavior Management Systems: Alexandra Sterling
111 North Street Cell: (605) 641-4867 | Office: (605) 343-0650
Addiction Treatment Services: Amanda Whelchel
321 Kansas City Street Office: (605) 394-6128
Daily UA Call-In Schedule:
Pennington County Problem-Solving Courts Lab Testing Line
(605) 303-6026
Phase:
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 4
Phase 5
Color:
Red
Yellow
Orange
Green
White
Testing Location:
24/7
24/7
24/7 or
24/7 or
24/7 or
Court Services Court Services Court Services
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Mental Health Court Handbook Updated May 2022
PARTICIPANT RIGHTS
By agreeing to be in Mental Health Court, you have given up some of your rights (disputing search/seizure/traffic stops, preliminary hearing, trial by jury or court, remain silent, etc.).
You have given permission for treatment to share information with the Mental Health Court Team.
Mental Health Court is open to the public. The Team cannot tell how the news might use your identity. The Team cannot
stop them from sharing information that is public record.
DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Mental Health Court Defense Attorney Ashley Parr will be your defense attorney the whole time you are in Mental Health Court. You have the right to get your own attorney if you want. Even though Attorney Parr is a member of the Mental Health Court team, he is also your attorney. You have attorney-client privilege, which means you can share confidential information with him that he cannot share with the team unless you give him permission.
Attorney Parr’s job is to help you understand your rights and the requirements of the Mental Health Court program. The Mental Health Court Judge makes all final decisions, but Attorney Parr will advocate for you to the Judge and the team. Attorney Parr will defend your legal rights, make sure you get fair and equivalent treatment, and share your view on things like incentives and sanctions, phase advancement, and graduation or termination. Attorney Parr will represent you in evidentiary hearings if you want to question the facts used to decide on sanctions or terminations. Attorney Parr will also represent you if you are facing termination from Mental Health Court and if you are facing a Probation Violation after termination from Mental Health Court, unless you request a different attorney.
Attorney Parr will attend Mental Health Court sessions, and he can answer questions you might have during Mental Health Court. You should contact him before Mental Health Court if possible to talk about any issues that might come up. You can reach him by call or text at (605) 388-2050, or by email at [email protected] You can call him or email him for free from the jail.
Mental Health Court Handbook Updated May 2022
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MENTAL HEALTH COURT SCHEDULE
TEAM STAFFING: 2PM–3PM ON TUESDAYS
The Team talks about participants before each Mental Health Court hearing. Attendance, participation and cooperation, employment, drug/alcohol testing, and other topics are shared. The Team will talk about your progress and any problems you have. Staffings are closed to the public. You do not have a right to attend Staffing. You might be invited to Staffing by the Team to talk about private issues if needed.
MENTAL HEALTH COURT: 3PM–5PM ON TUESDAYS
Courtroom C5, Pennington County Courthouse
You will come to Mental Health Court weekly in Phase 1 and Phase 2, every other week in Phase 3, and monthly in Phase 4 and Phase 5. You, the Judge, probation, attorneys, treatment counselors, recovery coaches, and other team members will all be in Mental Health Court to talk about your progress and any problems you have. You will get to talk with the Judge. You might get incentives (rewards) if you are doing well, and sanctions (consequences) if you are not doing well. A warrant could be issued for your arrest if you do not show up to Mental
Health Court when you are required to. Ask if you have questions about when you are
required to be in Mental Health Court. If you miss Court for an emergency, contact probation right away.
Mental Health Court hearings are open to the public. You can invite your family members and supports to come and watch. You should expect other participants’ family members and supports and other community members to be at Mental Health Court hearings.
COURTROOM RULES:
Be on time! – If you are not in your seat before 3PM you are late and will get a
sanction.
Be respectful to the Judge, the Team, and your fellow participants.
- Turn off your phone before Mental Health Court - Be quiet and pay attention - No sleeping - Do not wear:
▪ Hats, bandanas, or do-rags ▪ Sunglasses ▪ Clothes with drug/alcohol logos or gang symbols ▪ Clothes that show your underwear
Be supportive of your fellow participants and encourage them with applause. Stand when the Judge is talking to you. Stay seated in the courtroom during the whole Mental Health Court hearing, unless
the Judge excuses you.
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Mental Health Court Handbook Updated May 2022
OTHER MENTAL HEALTH COURT RULES
Follow all directions from the Mental Health Court Team
Follow all laws
Do not commit any crimes. Do not threaten anyone or commit any violent acts. You can
be terminated from Mental Health Court for breaking the law. Tell probation right away if you have contact with police (even if it was not your fault).
Show up and be on time for ALL appointments
If you need to change any appointment (treatment, office visits, etc.), you must do it at least 24-hours before the appointment starts. If you are late or if you miss an appointment, you might get a sanction. SANCTIONS COULD INCLUDE:
Daily planning assignment Writing assignment Increased probation supervision
Community Service Jail Other, as decided by the Judge with help from the Team
Be honest and try in treatment
Your treatment plan will be made by you and treatment. You will get mental health, and
addiction treatment as needed. You will be in both individual and group sessions. You
must follow all treatment rules or you might get a sanction. The Team will talk regularly
about how you are doing in treatment. You will be in treatment the whole time
you are in Mental Health Court. Treatment could include:
Assessments
Individual Counseling
IOP (Intensive Outpatient Treatment)
Medication Assessment
CBISA (Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for
Medication Management
Substance Abuse)
MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)
Aftercare
Transitional Living
MRT (Moral Reconation Therapy)
Low-Intensity Residential Treatment
SMART Recovery
Inpatient Treatment
8 Dimensions of Wellness
Detoxification Treatment
DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)
Specialized treatment services
DBT Advanced
Other, as decided by treatment
DBT SUDs
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) teaches new skills to deal with painful emotions and to decrease conflict in relationships. DBT focuses on four key areas: Mindfulness helps people accept and be present in the moment. Distress tolerance helps people deal with negative emotions instead of trying to escape from them. Emotion regulation teaches people how to manage and change intense
Mental Health Court Handbook Updated May 2022
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emotions that are causing problems in their life. Interpersonal effectiveness teaches people to communicate better with others in a way that is assertive, maintains self-respect, and strengthens relationships.
8 Dimensions of Wellness: Living a balanced life in mind, body and spirit is an important part of recovery. 8 Dimensions of Wellness focuses on improving the emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual parts of yourself so you can live a full and happy life in the community.
Stay in contact with probation
Show up for all probation appointments. Keep regular phone contact with probation. Return probation’s calls as soon as possible but within 24 hours, and make sure probation always knows how to contact you. You cannot leave the Rapid City area without permission. If you abscond, you have voluntarily removed yourself from the program and can be terminated from Mental Health Court. A warrant will be issued for your arrest.
Probation and/or police will visit you in the community during the day or night and with or without notice. You might be drug/alcohol tested. You must allow your person, property, place of residence and vehicle to be searched and/or seized upon the demand of the Court Services Officer at any time of the day or night with or without a search warrant. Do not have any firearms, weapons, alcohol, drugs (including marijuana), drug paraphernalia, or other contraband. You must allow your Court Services Officer access to any electronic devices or media, including cell phones, smartphones, home computers, and gaming systems.
IMPORTANT THINGS YOU MUST TELL PROBATION:
Any changes to your phone number Any changes to work or school schedules If you get fired from your job If you have a significant other, romantic relationship, or sexual relationship ALL medications, pills, and supplements you are taking If you relapsed If you had contact with the police or have been arrested
Stay in contact with your Recovery Coach
Your BMS Recovery Coach will help support and guide you through the Mental Health Court program. Show up for all Recovery Coach appointments. Keep regular phone contact with your Recovery Coach. Return your Recovery Coach’s calls as soon as possible but within 24 hours, and make sure your Recovery Coach always knows how to contact you. Your Recovery Coach will help figure out what services they can help you with:
Medication Management: Delivery of Daily/Weekly Medications help setting up appointments (medical, therapy, legal, etc.)
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Mental Health Court Handbook Updated May 2022
Help completing and submitting applications for benefits (SSI), assistance (SNAP, TANF, etc.), housing, school entry/GED, job/resume skills, etc.
Lead Skills Groups (DBT and DBT SUDS, 8 Dimensions of Wellness) Supportive advocate at court hearings, probation appointments, DSS hearings, child
custody meetings, etc.
Use and update your planner every day
The Mental Health Court program can be overwhelming. Using your planner will help you manage all your program tasks, work tasks and personal tasks. Using your planner will help you focus on the most important things, and you will feel accomplished when you check off what you have done. Checking off completed tasks will help you feel more relaxed when you know you have done everything you are supposed to do. Checking off completed tasks will also help you stay motivated to keep working toward your goals.
Write all your appointments, treatment, meetings, office visits, Court, and daily activities in your Mental Health Court planner. Always carry your planner with you and look in it often. Probation will check your planner regularly.
Using your planner will also help you remember what you have done! If the team has questions about something that might have happened and wants to know where you were, who you were with, or what you did on a certain day--You can look it up if you write that stuff down! If the team hears you missed an appointment or a UA--You can look it up if you check that stuff off!
Change people, places and things
Probation and the Team will talk with everyone involved in your life. This includes significant others, friends, family, employers, doctors, counselors, etc. Be honest about all your relationships including significant others, friendships, romantic relationships and sexual relationships.
Do not hang out with people who:
Are on felony probation
Have charges pending
Are on parole
Are breaking the law
Are violent Use drugs/alcohol
The Team will restrict your contact with certain people if needed. You are
not allowed to have romantic or sexual relationships with any Problem-Solving Court participant.
Live in a safe and sober place that supports your recovery
Tell probation where you are living and who you are living with. You need to live in Pennington County and close to Rapid City so team members can meet with you at your home as needed and so you can be fully available to participate in the program.
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Do not have guests or visitors without permission. Do not let someone move in without
permission. Do not move without permission. The Team might tell you to move if
you are not living in a safe and sober place that supports your recovery.
Stay home during your curfew. Do not have guests or visitors during curfew hours. Ask if
you have any questions about when you are supposed to be at home. Contact probation right away if you have an emergency.
Mental Health Court curfew is:
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
9PM-5AM
10PM-5AM
11PM-5AM
Phase 4 12AM-5AM
Phase 5 As directed
Keep yourself and your home environment clean and tidy
Good personal hygiene is keeping all parts of your body clean and healthy. Good personal hygiene is important for health reasons because poor personal hygiene gives germs a perfect environment to grow and that can cause infection. Good personal hygiene is important for social reasons because poor personal hygiene might cause people to avoid you and that might make you feel isolated and lonely.
You can keep yourself clean by regularly:
Washing your hands with soap:
- before making food and eating
- after going to the bathroom
- after blowing your nose, coughing, or
sneezing
- after touching garbage or other dirty things
- after touching pets or pet items
Washing your body with soap Washing your hair with shampoo Changing into clean clothes Washing dirty clothes with soap Using deodorant Brushing your teeth Trimming and cleaning your fingernails
The condition of your home environment can affect your mood and mental health. A clean and tidy home envorinment can lower stress, keep your mind calm, and keep your body safe and healthy. A dirty home environment gives allergens and germs a perfect environment to grow and that can cause infection or illness. A dirty home environment can also get you evicted.
You can keep your home clean and tidy by regularly:
Put things away when you are done using
Take out the trash when it gets full
them
Vacuum and mop your floors
Clean up messes as they happen
Dust your surfaces
Wash dirty dishes with soap, dry them, and
Clean your bathroom sinks, tubs and
put them away
toilets
Wash dirty clothes with soap, dry them, fold Clean your kitchen counters
them, and put them away
Wash your bedding regularly
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Mental Health Court Handbook Updated May 2022
PENNINGTON COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH COURT
Judge Jeff Connolly 3PM–5PM on Tuesdays
Courtroom C1
Pennington County Courthouse 315 Saint Joseph Street Rapid City, SD (605) 394-2595
Updated May 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WELCOME TO MENTAL HEALTH COURT!........................................................................................... 1 MENTAL HEALTH COURT TEAM ......................................................................................................... 2 PARTICIPANT RIGHTS .......................................................................................................................... 3 DEFENSE ATTORNEY.............................................................................................................................3 MENTAL HEALTH COURT SCHEDULE ................................................................................................. 4
TEAM STAFFING: 2PM–3PM ON TUESDAYS .....................................................................................................................................4 MENTAL HEALTH COURT: 3PM–5PM ON TUESDAYS ...................................................................................................................4 COURTROOM RULES: ..............................................................................................................................................................................4
OTHER MENTAL HEALTH COURT RULES............................................................................................5
Follow all directions from the Mental Health Court Team........................................................................................................5 Follow all laws .............................................................................................................................................................................................5 Show up and be on time for ALL appointments...........................................................................................................................5 Be honest and try in treatment............................................................................................................................................................5 Stay in contact with probation.............................................................................................................................................................6 Stay in contact with your Recovery Coach ......................................................................................................................................6 Use and update your planner every day ..........................................................................................................................................7 Change people, places and things .....................................................................................................................................................7 Live in a safe and sober place that supports your recovery.....................................................................................................7 Keep yourself and your home environment clean and tidy .....................................................................................................8 Do not have or use drugs or alcohol.................................................................................................................................................9 Do all drug/alcohol tests as directed ................................................................................................................................................9 Tell treatment and probation about ALL medications, pills, and supplements you are taking .............................. 10 Take all medication as prescribed ................................................................................................................................................... 11 Be available for medication delivery ............................................................................................................................................... 11 Attend and participate in recovery support group meetings if recommended by your TNA ................................. 11 Find a recovery sponsor and work a recovery program if recommended by your TNA ........................................... 11 Build a positive social support network and be involved in positive activities in the community......................... 12 Do a 40-hour Pay It Forward Project in Phase 4 & Phase 5 before Commencement. ............................................... 12 Work or go to school ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13 Make and follow a budget.................................................................................................................................................................. 13 Pay your Mental Health Court costs ............................................................................................................................................... 14 Do not drive without a valid Driver’s License and current vehicle insurance ................................................................. 14 Do not gamble ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 15 Stay out of bars, liquor stores, CBD stores and marijuana dispensaries .......................................................................... 15
WRITTEN REQUESTS...........................................................................................................................16
SPECIAL REQUEST .................................................................................................................................................................................. 16 FINANCIAL REQUEST with BUDGET ................................................................................................................................................ 16 TRIP REQUESTS ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
HOLIDAY PLANS .................................................................................................................................16 THERAPEUTIC ADJUSTMENTS ..........................................................................................................17 INCENTIVES .........................................................................................................................................17 SANCTIONS .........................................................................................................................................18 PROGRAM PHASES.............................................................................................................................19 COMMENCEMENT ..............................................................................................................................22 TERMINATION ....................................................................................................................................23
Mental Health Court Handbook Updated May 2022
WELCOME TO MENTAL HEALTH COURT!
Mental Health Court will give you tools to change your life. The program uses intensive probation supervision and treatment to help you change. You will have regular contact with the Mental Health Court Judge, probation, and treatment. You will participate in mental health treatment, addiction treatment as needed, group and individual treatment sessions, regular Mental Health Court hearings, drug/alcohol testing, and support group meetings. Other activities should be expected because each person’s path to recovery is different. Mental Health Court takes more than 14 months to complete.
Mental Health Court’s goal is RECOVERY. “Recovery” is defined as a process of change
through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.
MENTAL HEALTH COURT GIVES YOU A CHANCE TO IMPROVE YOUR:
Health
Home
Purpose
Community
Achieve sobriety Address mental health
problems Improve physical
health
Have a safe and stable place to live
Have a clean and healthy place to live
Have meaningful daily activities (job, school, volunteering, family caretaking, creative projects)
Be a productive member of society
Build relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope
You must follow the rules of Mental Health Court and the directions given by the Mental
Health Court Judge and Mental Health Court Team. Read this Handbook carefully. It
tells you what to expect in Mental Health Court. You can share this handbook with your family and friends.
The Judge and the Team are here to help you, but
the final responsibility is yours. We know that with hard work, honesty, and commitment to recovery you can be successful.
Mental Health Court Handbook Updated May 2022
Page 1
MENTAL HEALTH COURT TEAM
The Mental Health Court Judge makes all the final decisions about your Mental Health Court case, with help from the Mental Health Court Team. Team members are:
Judge Jeff Connolly Coordinator Ashlee May Prosecutor Tim Snyder Defense Attorney Ashley Parr Probation Officer Adam Ohman Mental Health Treatment Provider Alexandra Sterling (BMS) Recovery Coach Ashli Merchen (BMS) Recovery Coach Kristi Fischer (BMS) Addiction Treatment Provider Amanda Whelchel (ATS) Captain Casey Munsch (Pennington County Jail)
Defense Attorney: Ashley Parr
2525 West Main Street, Suite 307 Call or Text: (605) 388-2050 | Email: [email protected]
Probation Officer: Adam Ohman
315 Saint Joseph Street (Pennington County Courthouse) 2nd Floor Cell: (605) 381-9920
Behavior Management Systems: Alexandra Sterling
111 North Street Cell: (605) 641-4867 | Office: (605) 343-0650
Addiction Treatment Services: Amanda Whelchel
321 Kansas City Street Office: (605) 394-6128
Daily UA Call-In Schedule:
Pennington County Problem-Solving Courts Lab Testing Line
(605) 303-6026
Phase:
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 4
Phase 5
Color:
Red
Yellow
Orange
Green
White
Testing Location:
24/7
24/7
24/7 or
24/7 or
24/7 or
Court Services Court Services Court Services
Page 2
Mental Health Court Handbook Updated May 2022
PARTICIPANT RIGHTS
By agreeing to be in Mental Health Court, you have given up some of your rights (disputing search/seizure/traffic stops, preliminary hearing, trial by jury or court, remain silent, etc.).
You have given permission for treatment to share information with the Mental Health Court Team.
Mental Health Court is open to the public. The Team cannot tell how the news might use your identity. The Team cannot
stop them from sharing information that is public record.
DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Mental Health Court Defense Attorney Ashley Parr will be your defense attorney the whole time you are in Mental Health Court. You have the right to get your own attorney if you want. Even though Attorney Parr is a member of the Mental Health Court team, he is also your attorney. You have attorney-client privilege, which means you can share confidential information with him that he cannot share with the team unless you give him permission.
Attorney Parr’s job is to help you understand your rights and the requirements of the Mental Health Court program. The Mental Health Court Judge makes all final decisions, but Attorney Parr will advocate for you to the Judge and the team. Attorney Parr will defend your legal rights, make sure you get fair and equivalent treatment, and share your view on things like incentives and sanctions, phase advancement, and graduation or termination. Attorney Parr will represent you in evidentiary hearings if you want to question the facts used to decide on sanctions or terminations. Attorney Parr will also represent you if you are facing termination from Mental Health Court and if you are facing a Probation Violation after termination from Mental Health Court, unless you request a different attorney.
Attorney Parr will attend Mental Health Court sessions, and he can answer questions you might have during Mental Health Court. You should contact him before Mental Health Court if possible to talk about any issues that might come up. You can reach him by call or text at (605) 388-2050, or by email at [email protected] You can call him or email him for free from the jail.
Mental Health Court Handbook Updated May 2022
Page 3
MENTAL HEALTH COURT SCHEDULE
TEAM STAFFING: 2PM–3PM ON TUESDAYS
The Team talks about participants before each Mental Health Court hearing. Attendance, participation and cooperation, employment, drug/alcohol testing, and other topics are shared. The Team will talk about your progress and any problems you have. Staffings are closed to the public. You do not have a right to attend Staffing. You might be invited to Staffing by the Team to talk about private issues if needed.
MENTAL HEALTH COURT: 3PM–5PM ON TUESDAYS
Courtroom C5, Pennington County Courthouse
You will come to Mental Health Court weekly in Phase 1 and Phase 2, every other week in Phase 3, and monthly in Phase 4 and Phase 5. You, the Judge, probation, attorneys, treatment counselors, recovery coaches, and other team members will all be in Mental Health Court to talk about your progress and any problems you have. You will get to talk with the Judge. You might get incentives (rewards) if you are doing well, and sanctions (consequences) if you are not doing well. A warrant could be issued for your arrest if you do not show up to Mental
Health Court when you are required to. Ask if you have questions about when you are
required to be in Mental Health Court. If you miss Court for an emergency, contact probation right away.
Mental Health Court hearings are open to the public. You can invite your family members and supports to come and watch. You should expect other participants’ family members and supports and other community members to be at Mental Health Court hearings.
COURTROOM RULES:
Be on time! – If you are not in your seat before 3PM you are late and will get a
sanction.
Be respectful to the Judge, the Team, and your fellow participants.
- Turn off your phone before Mental Health Court - Be quiet and pay attention - No sleeping - Do not wear:
▪ Hats, bandanas, or do-rags ▪ Sunglasses ▪ Clothes with drug/alcohol logos or gang symbols ▪ Clothes that show your underwear
Be supportive of your fellow participants and encourage them with applause. Stand when the Judge is talking to you. Stay seated in the courtroom during the whole Mental Health Court hearing, unless
the Judge excuses you.
Page 4
Mental Health Court Handbook Updated May 2022
OTHER MENTAL HEALTH COURT RULES
Follow all directions from the Mental Health Court Team
Follow all laws
Do not commit any crimes. Do not threaten anyone or commit any violent acts. You can
be terminated from Mental Health Court for breaking the law. Tell probation right away if you have contact with police (even if it was not your fault).
Show up and be on time for ALL appointments
If you need to change any appointment (treatment, office visits, etc.), you must do it at least 24-hours before the appointment starts. If you are late or if you miss an appointment, you might get a sanction. SANCTIONS COULD INCLUDE:
Daily planning assignment Writing assignment Increased probation supervision
Community Service Jail Other, as decided by the Judge with help from the Team
Be honest and try in treatment
Your treatment plan will be made by you and treatment. You will get mental health, and
addiction treatment as needed. You will be in both individual and group sessions. You
must follow all treatment rules or you might get a sanction. The Team will talk regularly
about how you are doing in treatment. You will be in treatment the whole time
you are in Mental Health Court. Treatment could include:
Assessments
Individual Counseling
IOP (Intensive Outpatient Treatment)
Medication Assessment
CBISA (Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for
Medication Management
Substance Abuse)
MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)
Aftercare
Transitional Living
MRT (Moral Reconation Therapy)
Low-Intensity Residential Treatment
SMART Recovery
Inpatient Treatment
8 Dimensions of Wellness
Detoxification Treatment
DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)
Specialized treatment services
DBT Advanced
Other, as decided by treatment
DBT SUDs
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) teaches new skills to deal with painful emotions and to decrease conflict in relationships. DBT focuses on four key areas: Mindfulness helps people accept and be present in the moment. Distress tolerance helps people deal with negative emotions instead of trying to escape from them. Emotion regulation teaches people how to manage and change intense
Mental Health Court Handbook Updated May 2022
Page 5
emotions that are causing problems in their life. Interpersonal effectiveness teaches people to communicate better with others in a way that is assertive, maintains self-respect, and strengthens relationships.
8 Dimensions of Wellness: Living a balanced life in mind, body and spirit is an important part of recovery. 8 Dimensions of Wellness focuses on improving the emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual parts of yourself so you can live a full and happy life in the community.
Stay in contact with probation
Show up for all probation appointments. Keep regular phone contact with probation. Return probation’s calls as soon as possible but within 24 hours, and make sure probation always knows how to contact you. You cannot leave the Rapid City area without permission. If you abscond, you have voluntarily removed yourself from the program and can be terminated from Mental Health Court. A warrant will be issued for your arrest.
Probation and/or police will visit you in the community during the day or night and with or without notice. You might be drug/alcohol tested. You must allow your person, property, place of residence and vehicle to be searched and/or seized upon the demand of the Court Services Officer at any time of the day or night with or without a search warrant. Do not have any firearms, weapons, alcohol, drugs (including marijuana), drug paraphernalia, or other contraband. You must allow your Court Services Officer access to any electronic devices or media, including cell phones, smartphones, home computers, and gaming systems.
IMPORTANT THINGS YOU MUST TELL PROBATION:
Any changes to your phone number Any changes to work or school schedules If you get fired from your job If you have a significant other, romantic relationship, or sexual relationship ALL medications, pills, and supplements you are taking If you relapsed If you had contact with the police or have been arrested
Stay in contact with your Recovery Coach
Your BMS Recovery Coach will help support and guide you through the Mental Health Court program. Show up for all Recovery Coach appointments. Keep regular phone contact with your Recovery Coach. Return your Recovery Coach’s calls as soon as possible but within 24 hours, and make sure your Recovery Coach always knows how to contact you. Your Recovery Coach will help figure out what services they can help you with:
Medication Management: Delivery of Daily/Weekly Medications help setting up appointments (medical, therapy, legal, etc.)
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Help completing and submitting applications for benefits (SSI), assistance (SNAP, TANF, etc.), housing, school entry/GED, job/resume skills, etc.
Lead Skills Groups (DBT and DBT SUDS, 8 Dimensions of Wellness) Supportive advocate at court hearings, probation appointments, DSS hearings, child
custody meetings, etc.
Use and update your planner every day
The Mental Health Court program can be overwhelming. Using your planner will help you manage all your program tasks, work tasks and personal tasks. Using your planner will help you focus on the most important things, and you will feel accomplished when you check off what you have done. Checking off completed tasks will help you feel more relaxed when you know you have done everything you are supposed to do. Checking off completed tasks will also help you stay motivated to keep working toward your goals.
Write all your appointments, treatment, meetings, office visits, Court, and daily activities in your Mental Health Court planner. Always carry your planner with you and look in it often. Probation will check your planner regularly.
Using your planner will also help you remember what you have done! If the team has questions about something that might have happened and wants to know where you were, who you were with, or what you did on a certain day--You can look it up if you write that stuff down! If the team hears you missed an appointment or a UA--You can look it up if you check that stuff off!
Change people, places and things
Probation and the Team will talk with everyone involved in your life. This includes significant others, friends, family, employers, doctors, counselors, etc. Be honest about all your relationships including significant others, friendships, romantic relationships and sexual relationships.
Do not hang out with people who:
Are on felony probation
Have charges pending
Are on parole
Are breaking the law
Are violent Use drugs/alcohol
The Team will restrict your contact with certain people if needed. You are
not allowed to have romantic or sexual relationships with any Problem-Solving Court participant.
Live in a safe and sober place that supports your recovery
Tell probation where you are living and who you are living with. You need to live in Pennington County and close to Rapid City so team members can meet with you at your home as needed and so you can be fully available to participate in the program.
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Do not have guests or visitors without permission. Do not let someone move in without
permission. Do not move without permission. The Team might tell you to move if
you are not living in a safe and sober place that supports your recovery.
Stay home during your curfew. Do not have guests or visitors during curfew hours. Ask if
you have any questions about when you are supposed to be at home. Contact probation right away if you have an emergency.
Mental Health Court curfew is:
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
9PM-5AM
10PM-5AM
11PM-5AM
Phase 4 12AM-5AM
Phase 5 As directed
Keep yourself and your home environment clean and tidy
Good personal hygiene is keeping all parts of your body clean and healthy. Good personal hygiene is important for health reasons because poor personal hygiene gives germs a perfect environment to grow and that can cause infection. Good personal hygiene is important for social reasons because poor personal hygiene might cause people to avoid you and that might make you feel isolated and lonely.
You can keep yourself clean by regularly:
Washing your hands with soap:
- before making food and eating
- after going to the bathroom
- after blowing your nose, coughing, or
sneezing
- after touching garbage or other dirty things
- after touching pets or pet items
Washing your body with soap Washing your hair with shampoo Changing into clean clothes Washing dirty clothes with soap Using deodorant Brushing your teeth Trimming and cleaning your fingernails
The condition of your home environment can affect your mood and mental health. A clean and tidy home envorinment can lower stress, keep your mind calm, and keep your body safe and healthy. A dirty home environment gives allergens and germs a perfect environment to grow and that can cause infection or illness. A dirty home environment can also get you evicted.
You can keep your home clean and tidy by regularly:
Put things away when you are done using
Take out the trash when it gets full
them
Vacuum and mop your floors
Clean up messes as they happen
Dust your surfaces
Wash dirty dishes with soap, dry them, and
Clean your bathroom sinks, tubs and
put them away
toilets
Wash dirty clothes with soap, dry them, fold Clean your kitchen counters
them, and put them away
Wash your bedding regularly
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