Juvenile mental health courts are delinquency courts with a
dedicated calendar for minors who have a mental health
diagnosis. These courts focus on providing access to treatment,
consistent and intensive supervision, and academic and family
support. As with juvenile drug court, these courts focus on
accountability and realistic goals and expectations of each
youth. Assessment and close monitoring are critical components
of this type of court. Mental health courts first emerged in the
1990s. In California, there are more than 40 mental health
courts, including 11 juvenile mental health courts. Studies of
mental health courts have shown promising results in several
areas, including participants’ utilization of services, reduced
recidivism, and cost savings to counties and states.