§ 16-19-102 — Legislative intent

(a) It is the intent of the general assembly through this chapter to create programs to facilitate the implementation of new, and the continuation of existing, mental health treatment court programs in all counties within this state. (b) The goals of the mental health treatment court programs created under this chapter include the following: (1) To reduce the use of jail and prison beds and other correctional services by offenders with mental health disorders by diverting them into treatment programs; (2) To improve court efficiency by substituting a problem-solving model for traditional criminal court processing and linking defendants to effective treatment and supports for mental illness; (3) To improve the quality of life of people with severe and persistent mental illnesses and increase their participation in effective treatment; (4) To promote the public safety by reducing the incidence of crimes committed as a result of mental health disorders; and (5) To promote effective interaction and the use of resources among local criminal justice agencies and community agencies.

Legislative History

Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1071, s 1, eff. 5/25/2022.