Summit on Improving the Court and Community Response to those with Mental Illness in Minnesota

SUMMIT ON IMPROVING THE COURT AND COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS IN MINNESOTA

Presented by the Minnesota Judicial Branch and the Minnesota Department of Human Services
Spring and Summer 2022
 
The 2022 Summit, presented in a hybrid format, will give attendees the opportunity to engage in learning programs and workshop events both virtually and in-person. A hybrid event also provides the ability to incorporate information and discussions about legislative changes that may occur this session. 
 

Summit Goal

To bring a "whole of government" approach to addressing the escalating demand for mental health services in the state, and the rising number of individuals facing mental health issues entering the criminal justice system. 

 

Summit Background

In 2019, the Judicial Branch convened a statewide workgroup to explore the underlying factors behind the increased demand for mental health examinations. The workgroup of judges, attorneys, psych examiners, social services professionals, and other stakeholders were also asked to develop recommendations as to how Minnesota could more effectively address these cases, both before and during the criminal justice process.

In that same year, a delegation from Minnesota attended the Midwest Regional Mental Illness Summit, which was one of several similar events held across the country. This year’s Summit hosted by the Judicial Branch and DHS is a continuation of these efforts, with the goal of developing local plans that will detail concrete, actionable steps each district across the state will take to improve how Minnesota serves individuals with mental illness.