LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- More than a year after launching its Mental Health Court, Bullitt County officials said the program is already making a significant difference in the lives of participants and the County court system.

Bullitt County District Judge Jennifer Porter said before the court's establishment, she often saw the same individuals cycle through the system.

"We have quite an issue with reoffenders, and we see a lot of the same people," Porter said. "Not necessarily serious cases."

Porter said that trend is beginning to change.

"I don’t want to jinx myself, so knock on some wood somewhere, some of the ones that I was seeing quite frequently, I'm not any longer," she said.

The specialty court, which connects individuals with severe mental illness to treatment instead of imposing criminal penalties, has exceeded expectations, according to Mental Health Court Director Will Dufton.

"A lot of times, the crimes they commit, they wouldn’t necessarily commit if they weren’t struggling with their mental illness or in crisis at that time," Dufton said.

Mental Health Court participants must face misdemeanor or low-level felony charges to be referred. Instead of receiving a traditional sentence, they are connected with treatment providers and support services. The program also helps them find employment and rebuild family relationships through a structured, multi-phase process.

"It’s very different and unique than any other court," Dufton said.

Bullitt County Attorney Tammy Baker said the impact of the program extends beyond individual participants.

"If you can get them working, get them paying child support, get them paying taxes, working on getting custody of children back, you’re changing generations of families," Baker said.

Baker and Dufton acknowledged the court's success would not happen without its partners -- including UofL Peace Hospital, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, county officials, as well as Nelson and Fayette County Courts. 

Currently, 15 people are enrolled in Bullitt County’s Mental Health Court. Once they complete the program --  including regular check-ins with Judge Porter -- their charges are dismissed.

Baker acknowledged participants sometimes face have setbacks, but Mental Health Court tries to get those individuals back on track.  

"We've got some folks, you know, who we weren't sure they would make it through a month of the program, and they're getting ready to graduate," Baker said.

This spring, three participants are set to graduate from the program.

"We see people on their first day, behind glass, at a low point in their life," Dufton said. "And we really see them progress throughout the year."

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