(Woodland, CA) – May 15, 2024 – Today the Mental Health Diversion Court celebrated the graduation of four participants including Daniel Pedro, Carlos Bonilla, Jordon Carson, and one who asked to remain anonymous. Mental Health Diversion Court is one of Yolo County’s specialty courts that launched in October 2021. The goal of the Mental Health Diversion Court is to enhance public safety and reduce recidivism of those who live with mental illness and/or a substance use disorder whose behavioral health issues were a significant factor in the commission of their criminal offense. The program accomplishes this goal by supporting their participation in community treatment. This is done with collaboration of the District Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, the Probation Department, the Sheriff’s Department, the Court, and CommuniCare+OLE Health Centers all working together to support the clients.
Program requirements include maintaining sobriety, being medication compliant if appropriate, attending all required appointments and court hearings and writing reflective essays for each of the four phases to be completed. This year they have had 11 graduations, bringing the total to 20 since the start of the program.
One of the attending clients congratulated the graduates and reminded them, “This isn’t the end, this is just the beginning.” Chief Deputy District Attorney Melinda Aiello praised the graduates on their success and stated, “Every time you move up or graduate you validate the program and the resources that we put into it.” Judge Janet Gaard presided over the graduations and presented the men their certificates of completion.
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