ALERNATIVE PROGRAMS BUREAU

ALERNATIVE PROGRAMS BUREAU

The Alternative Programs Bureau screens and handles cases in several of Brooklyn’s specialized court parts. These court parts are aimed at diverting drug-addicted offenders into treatment in lieu of incarceration (the Brooklyn Treatment Court, the Brooklyn Felony Veterans Part, the Screening and Treatment and Enhancement Part, the Misdemeanor Brooklyn Treatment Court , and the Brooklyn Misdemeanor Veterans Treatment Court).  The bureau also runs the Drug Treatment Alternative-to-Prison (DTAP) program, for drug addicts who are recidivist, felony offenders and the Felony ATI Part.

MENTAL HEALTH UNIT

The Mental Health Unit, in conjunction with the staff of the Brooklyn Mental Health Court, identifies and screens for diversion into treatment certain qualified offenders who have been diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness. Defendants’ treatment progress is carefully monitored to ensure public safety. In addition, the Unit, working with the clinical staff of a non-profit agency, also screens and diverts into treatment offenders who, while having a mental condition, including an intellectual disability, are not otherwise eligible for diversion through the Mental Health Court program. Assistant District Attorneys in the Unit also handle all proceedings associated with defendants who have been found unfit to proceed in court regarding the criminal charges against them, or have been found not responsible by reason of mental disease or defect for their criminal offenses. These proceeding take place not only in a special court part of the Brooklyn Supreme Court, but also at secure facilities such as Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center, Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center, and South Beach Psychiatric Center.

Brooklyn’s Mental Health Court, the first and most successful in the city, offers treatment and services for eligible defendants. By addressing underlying issues, it helps put individuals on a better path forward.

Learn more in this @CBSNewYork piece: https://t.co/OXJuZaPu1r

— Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez (@BrooklynDA) July 19, 2023

WATCH: Our Mental Health Court Unit and @courtinnovation Brooklyn Mental Health Court are reducing recidivism, transforming lives and keeping Brooklyn safe. https://t.co/gr0U5lNsBQ #MentalHealthMonth pic.twitter.com/6fQxAaHgb4

— Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez (@BrooklynDA) May 5, 2021

Our Mental Health Court Unit, in conjunction with the Brooklyn Mental Health Court, identifies & screens for diversion into treatment certain qualified offenders who have serious & persistent mental illnesses. @courtinnovation #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth https://t.co/gr0U5lNsBQ

— Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez (@BrooklynDA) May 11, 2020

We cannot incarcerate our way out of mental illness.

Learn how we're addressing treatment needs & public safety concerns through Brooklyn Mental Health Court—the first mental health court in New York City. https://t.co/691wXgKT2y @nowthisnews @courtinnovation #MentalHealthMonth pic.twitter.com/h0IzjRtRuf

— Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez (@BrooklynDA) May 24, 2022

BIPOC who have serious & persistent mental illnesses are disproportionately represented in our justice system. This #MinorityMentalHealth Awareness Month, we highlight the work of our Mental Health Court—which links participants with treatment as an alternative to incarceration. pic.twitter.com/8FZihyteE6

— Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez (@BrooklynDA) July 12, 2022

The success of @courtinnovation Brooklyn Mental Health Court shows that tailoring responses and treatment to individuals is an effective way to achieve accountability.

It not only keeps our communities safe but also improves the lives of participants. https://t.co/L2wzBGmPGC

— Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez (@BrooklynDA) July 12, 2022

In Episode 1 of @nowthisnews series on Brooklyn Mental Health Court, I spoke about the importance of connecting defendants who have serious and persistent mental illnesses to community-based treatment and services to reduce recidivism. https://t.co/yhcOPHlTGh pic.twitter.com/WzdqLUJyJN

— Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez (@BrooklynDA) May 31, 2022

VETERANS COURT

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Press

• The Brooklyn Mental Health Court offers community-based treatment in lieu of incarceration to defendants with serious mental health diagnoses.