Downtown Austin Community Court selected as a learning site for federal program

Austin is one of 10 communities picked to participate in a federal program to help people with behavioral health needs in the criminal justice system. The Downtown Austin Community Court is an inaugural partner for the Criminal Justice Mental Health Learning Site Program, operated by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. Free training, resources and support are intended to promote a holistic approach to criminal justice and mental health. DACC was selected because it deflects people from the criminal justice system by providing comprehensive services to meet needs before situations escalate to involve law enforcement, such as on-site housing-focused case managers, basic needs and social service resources. A press release from the city calls the new program an essential step toward building a more equitable and compassionate criminal justice system that addresses the underlying mental health issues of the people involved. Through the program, the 10 learning sites will share best practices and successful strategies to be replicated across the country. “In our 24 years of service to the Austin community, we’ve proactively evolved to ensure our approach is meeting the needs of the people we serve and providing value to the community overall,” said Robert Kingham, DACC administrator. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Criminal Justice Mental Health Learning Site to share what we’ve learned, and to help other communities across the country as they develop programs aimed at improving outcomes and serving people effectively and compassionately.”