XXI, Sec. 2 Definitions

A mental health court is a special court program for people with serious mental illness, intellectual disabilities, neurocognitive disorders, or a mental health condition combined with substance abuse. People in this program choose to take part on their own. Instead of going through the regular criminal court process, they get treatment and support services while the court keeps track of their progress.

This program is run by a team of people, not just a judge. The team usually includes the mental health court judge, court staff, a treatment provider, a prosecutor, a public defender, a social worker, a law enforcement officer, and a probation officer. The judge in charge can also add other mental health experts or community members to the team if needed.

Each local court that runs one of these programs has its own local rules. These local rules have to be approved by the Kentucky Supreme Court and must follow the same basic guidelines set out in this rule.

Finally, anyone providing mental health treatment through the program must be a "Qualified Mental Health Professional." This means they are a licensed healthcare provider with real training and experience treating mental health conditions.