On Aug. 5, the Denver County Court announced it had received a $1 million grant from the Caring for Denver Foundation. Because of this grant, adults with behavioral health needs will have better and more equitable access to community support and services regardless of charge type, according to the press release.
“This is about compassion and providing the necessary services to the most vulnerable and high-needs population,” said Denver County Court Presiding Judge Kerri Lombardi in the release. “Ultimately, the goal is to get people the comprehensive help they need to reduce any further contact with the legal system and improve community safety and quality of life for all. Thanks to the people of Denver, this Caring for Denver grant will help us move towards a public health response for dealing with this high-needs population.”
The funds will be awarded over two years and spread across five Denver County Court specialty programs: the new competency support docket, the forensic peer navigator program, competency diversion, sobriety court and the Helping, Engaging, Motivating program. The press release noted that the grant will help fund wraparound services for these programs and implement best practices for treatment, which rely on interagency collaboration to provide more consistent and coordinated care.
The court will track quantitative and qualitative data to ensure consistency in the data collected and to spot gaps and trends.
“We’re excited to partner with Denver County Courts to ensure Denverites receive the vital care they deserve,” said Lorez Meinhold, executive director of Caring for Denver, in the release. “The courts are expanding access to care, emphasizing an innovative problem-solving model that connects people to the right services and supports to reduce further contact with the legal system. People grappling with mental health and substance misuse challenges deserve compassion and care, not incarceration.”