Cobb County Superior Court Celebrates Mental Health Court Graduation

On Thursday, Aug. 21, Chief Superior Court Judge Ann Harris presided over a heartfelt Mental Health Accountability Court graduation ceremony, honoring five participants for their successful completion of the program. The event brought together Cobb County officials, community partners, family members, and friends to celebrate the graduates' achievements and recognize their dedication to personal growth and recovery. One of the graduates stated, "Mental Health Court has allowed me to reconnect to the best part of me."

Judge Harris commended the graduates for their perseverance, noting that their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to others navigating similar challenges. The ceremony was a testament to the power of community collaboration, judicial leadership, and evidence-based intervention in changing lives for the better.

"So much of a judge's job is dealing with difficult situations, difficult people, and bad choices. Presiding over Mental Health Court is a joy," said Judge Harris. "To see these folks come from places of despair to hope, from failure to success, from mental "unhealth" to good and stable mental health, is so rewarding. When they complete this program, our participants are equipped with the tools to maintain good mental health for the rest of their lives and be thriving members of their families, their circle of friends, and our community at large," she added.

Mental Health Court provides individuals with mental health disorders who are facing criminal charges the opportunity to receive comprehensive treatment. The innovative approach of this 18 - 24-month program connects participants with mental health services, substance use treatment, and community resources, all of which work together to foster recovery, reduce recidivism, and promote long-term stability. "Working with these participants daily reinforces for me the redemptive nature of our accountability courts. Their amazing progress is solid evidence of how these programs turn lives around and improve our communities," added Senior Assistant District Attorney Maurice Brown.

The program's success is built on strong, collaborative partnerships. Key community allies such as Highland Rivers Behavioral Health, which provides treatment services, and WorkSource Cobb, which offers education and employment assistance, play essential roles in supporting participants' rehabilitation and reintegration. Added Judge Harris, "We also appreciate Cobb County's financial support of all of our accountability court programs and hope we can continue to count on that assistance."

For more information about Mental Health Court and how to refer potential participants to the program, contact Coordinator Melanie Valentine at 770-528-8106, email [email protected] or visit the website at https://www.CobbCounty.Gov/MentalHealthCourt.