​​​​​​​OVERVIEW
Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Court & Justice-Involved (JI) programs integrate mental health and legal perspectives to address the complex intersection of mental illness and the criminal justice system by balancing public safety with individual well-being for those affected by mental illness. Sacramento County BHS provides a continuum of services to JI individuals struggling with mental illness, which includes, but is not limited to, assessment, treatment, crisis intervention, and court-based solutions in collaboration with justice partners within the community.​​

Co-Response Crisis Intervention Team (CCIT)

The CCIT is a collaboration between BHS and Law Enforcement to respond together to emergency calls for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

The CCIT teams include a police officer or Sheriff's Deputy trained in Crisis Intervention Training; a Sacramento County BHS licensed Senior Mental Health Counselor; and a Sacramento County Contracted Peer Specialist.​


Adult Day Reporting Center (ADRC)​

​BHS Intake Team and ADRC Assessment Team collaborate with the Sacramento County Probation Department (Probation) to provide onsite assessments and linkage to adults involved in the Sacramento County justice system.​​


​Jail and Court Assessment Team (JCAT)

The BHS JCAT collaborates with Sacramento County justice partners to provide mental health and substance use evaluations for individuals​ being considered for mental health diversion and establish connections to mental health and substance use treatment providers.

The BHS JCAT sited at JDTRC also conducts counseling groups and walk-in assessments onsite.​


Juvenile Field- Behavioral Health Team​ (JF-BHT)

The JF-BHT helps young people and their families who are involved with or at risk of the juvenile justice system. With a focus on mental health and substance use, the team works in the community, offering help with case management, crisis support, and connecting families to ongoing resources. They work closely with probation staff to make sure young people get the care they need and are treated with understanding and support for their past experiences.​​


Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT)

The AOT program, also known as "Laura's Law" permits the use of the courts and behavioral health systems, including substance use prevention and treatment, to address the needs of individuals who have been unable to or have not been, engaged with community mental health treatment programs without intensive engagement and support options.

This program is for individuals with a history of severe and chronic mental health concerns, a history of repeated hospitalizations and/or incarcerations related to untreated or undertreated mental illness, and/or a history of violent behaviors to self or others. The AOT Law is codified in the Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5346.

Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court

The CARE Court is an innovative civil court process designed to address the needs of individuals diagnosed with mental health and substance use disorders. Through this program, an eligible petitioner can petition the civil court to connect affected individuals to voluntary treatment for up to 24 months via a CARE Agreement or Plan.

Participants in the CARE Court program receive comprehensive support to enhance their recovery and overall well-being. This support may encompass various services, including counseling, medication, housing options, social services, and other resources.​



Prop 36
What is Prop 36?
California's Prop 36, the "Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act," took effect in December 2024 to address the growing crisis of homelessness, drug addiction, and theft. Prop 36 introduces a new approach to criminal justice by prioritizing treatment over incarceration for certain non-violent offenders, while imposing stricter penalties for repeat and serious crimes.


Who is Eligible?
​   You may be eligible for Prop 36 if you are:
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Charged with 11395 of the California Health and Safety (H&S) Code
  • Agree to participate in and complete a drug treatment program
  • ​Approved for a program by the Court under 11395 H&S

Steps for Treatment
    Referral Process for Attorneys
  • Complete the Jail and Court Assessment Team Referral Form​​​​
  • Complete the Release of Information (ROI) Document
  • Submit completed referral form and ROI to dhs-bhs-mh-courts@saccounty.gov
  • Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services will complete suitability screenings and provide level of care to referring party
  • ​Support clients in obtaining a mental health and substance use disorders assessment
   Referral Process for Post-Release Individuals
  • ​Over-the-phone request
    • ​​Contact Behavioral Health Services Screening and Coordination (BHS-SAC) Team at 916-875-1055 to request a brief phone screening and linkage to an appropriate mental health and substance use service provider.
  • ​Submit an online request
    • Fill out the BHS-SAC Referral Form online to complete a mental health and substance use screening
    • Submit the form via email to BHS-SACFax@saccounty.gov

Juvenile Justice Institutions- Behavioral Health Team (JJI-BHT)

​The JJI-BHT helps young people at the Sacramento County Youth Detention Facility by providing support that understands their culture and past experiences. The team works to help these young people feel better, get stable, and return to their communities in a positive way. They offer counseling, help from doctors, and personalized plans to meet each person's needs. Their services include checking on mental health, helping during tough times, and working with probation staff to make sure everyone gets the care and safety they need.

​​California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Justice-Involved (JI) Initiative

CalAIM JI is part of California's comprehensive initiative to enhance physical and behavioral health care for the JI population. It creates a new pathway to bridge community-based care for JI Medi-Cal members by offering targeted pre-release services and linkage to post-release services. This approach aims to establish a plan for engaged community-based care prior to release, improving health and behavioral health outcomes.​