Steubenville gets new Mental Health Court

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio —The courtroom of Judge John Mascio has just been given a brand new distinction.

"It’s a good feeling and it's rewarding.” Said Judge John Mascio. “And i think it'll be a good thing for the community."

Judge Mascio will now preside over the new Jefferson County Steubenville Municipal Mental Health Court. The 39th court in the state, with the distinction coming from Ohio's Supreme Court. It's goal is to help people struggling by providing counseling and rehabilitation rather than jail time.

"We're going to deal with offenders who suffer from severe to serious mental illness. the goal of the program is to reduce recidivism." Said Judge Mascio.

Offenders are recommended to enter the rehabilitation program where there are legal and clinical criteria that participants have to meet, including not being a violent offender along with a being diagnosed with a mental health condition by a psychiatrist.

"It’s in essence a full time job. you have to come to court at least once weekly to meet with the judge, and have to attend your mental health meetings." Said Judge Mascio.

The process to get certified which took over a year and a half and included site visits to the court and saw input from all different areas of the community. All supporting new forms of treatment.

"When you look at traditionally the stigma that's been associated with mental health, people didn't want to come forward and ask for help so they would get trapped in the criminal justice system. be in and out of jail, but never really get any better, this is finally an attempt to fix that." Said Jefferson County Prosecutor Jane Hanlin.

In the short time this court has been in place, the impact can already be felt.

"We have people that are aged 22-41 and are coming in at all different stages of life. all different stages of recovery. We have people that haven't even been to treatment and they're coming into this program and they're thriving.” Said Kristina Cologie, Mental Health Court Coordinator.

This court doesn’t change the laws on the books

“These programs are not being soft on crime, these programs are a recognition that simply incarcerating people without addressing their underlying issues is not working." Said Judge Mascio.

But it’s taking a new approach, trying to combat the real issue.

"So often we see failure and so often we see the negative things associated with criminal justice and this is a positive experience for all involved.” Said Judge Mascio. “Not just for the participants but for me as well."

The program set a goal last September: to in a year have 20 referrals, they already have those 20 with 8 people fully in the program and two more actively being assessed for acceptance into it.