Angelica Hernandez felt a mix of nerves and excitement as she approached the courtroom on October 28. After a year of hard work, the 47-year-old became the first graduate of El Paso County’s INSPIRE Mental Health Court. This initiative, led by Judge Selena Solis, aims to help people with serious mental health issues, like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, who are facing felony charges.
The program, which started in 2023, took shape with a $200,000 state grant. It focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Judge Solis believes that merely locking people up doesn’t fix their problems. She emphasizes understanding the root causes of their behaviors to facilitate real change.
Participants, many of whom also struggle with substance abuse, must follow a personalized treatment plan. This plan includes regular meetings with caseworkers and doctors, along with mandatory counseling and community service. “Showing up is the hardest part,” Hernandez remarked, acknowledging the weight of her journey.
Before graduation, Hernandez reflected on her past. In 2023, she faced significant challenges that culminated in a life-altering moment: a car crash during a suicide attempt. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured, but the legal consequences led her to the INSPIRE program.
Hernandez was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2010 and later faced severe struggles that pushed her to a breaking point. Managing her mental health while caring for her son, who experienced seizures, and her mother, who suffered from arthritis, was overwhelming. Ultimately, she quit her job, and life spiraled further into turmoil.
Joining the INSPIRE Mental Health Court was a game-changer for Hernandez. She completed the program, and her felony charge was dismissed. Participants like her have a shared experience; they support one another in a safe environment, learning coping strategies and discussing mental health openly. “Everyone has struggles,” she said. “It helps to know you’re not alone.”
Today, there are over 30 mental health courts in Texas, a significant increase compared to 20 years ago when mental health issues in the legal system were largely overlooked. Oscar Kazen, a former judge and mental health commissioner, explains how public perspectives have shifted towards rehabilitation, which is a crucial change for those in the justice system.
El Paso’s INSPIRE court is currently awaiting additional funding, but it has aided 14 participants so far. Critics argue that more resources are needed for mental health courts; some facilities struggle to accommodate those with both mental health and substance abuse issues. Judge Yolanda Huff from Bexar County notes that returning individuals to harmful home environments can hinder progress, advocating for supportive living arrangements. This emphasizes the need for collaboration between courts and community services.
Programs like Shadows to Light help participants build emotional skills and learn resilience. Hernandez found these classes invaluable. “I no longer feel trapped in my mind,” she shared, crediting the program for giving her a renewed sense of purpose and connection with others.
The success of mental health courts hinges on long-term funding and community support, making it essential to address these needs for future evolution. As Hernandez moves forward, she hopes to not only thrive but also inspire others facing similar challenges. “Sometimes, all you need is a second chance to realize just how precious life is,” she stated.
Source link
El Paso,mental health,Well C Homepage
