TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Barry Kolar on Oct 3, 2023

The 19th Judicial District Mental Health Court is now a reality, thanks to years of hard work from Judge Kathryn W. Olita and a team of passionate supporters. “When I started regularly hearing criminal cases here in the 19th, I noticed that certain defendants were cycling through my courtroom,” Olita says. “A jail stay would give them some access to mental health treatment, meals and shelter, but often after release a repeat offense or violation will bring that person right back.” Graduates of mental health court programs are more likely to break that cycle, Olita says. The court is now accepting new clients through referrals from the district attorney and public defender.