ABOUT US 

In January, 2020, the Clinton County Behavioral Health Court was established to more effectively address the needs of participants with serious mental illness cycling through the court and prison system. This court represents collaboration between the Court, Office of the Public Defender, Office of the District Attorney, MH/ID, Clinton County Correctional Facility, Clinton County Adult Probation Services, the Single County Authority and Community Based Providers.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Clinton County Behavioral Health Court of the 25th Judicial District of Pennsylvania is to develop a partnership between the mental health and criminal justice communities. This partnership will address the specialized needs of defendants with serious mental illness. Our goal is to improve public safety by reducing criminal recidivism; to improve the quality of life of people with mental illness and to reduce costs related to court and corrections through administrative efficiencies and often by providing an alternative to incarceration.

Clinton County Behavioral Health Court Application

Clinton County Behavioral Health Court Policy & Procedures

ABOUT US 

Clinton County Treatment Court was created as an alternative to incarceration to address the specific treatment needs of the substance abusing individuals involved in the Clinton County criminal justice system. A Treatment Court is “a specially designed court calendar or docket, the purposes of which are to achieve a reduction in recidivism and substance abuse among nonviolent substance abusing offenders and to increase the offender’s likelihood of successful habilitation through early, continuous, and intense judicially supervised treatment, mandatory periodic drug testing, community supervision, and use of appropriate sanctions and other habilitation services” (Bureau of Justice Assistance, 2005, p. 3). The Clinton County Treatment Court closely supervises a participant for a minimum of three (3) years to increase the likelihood of success. Typically a participant has a minimum of one (1) year of active participation in Treatment Court followed by one (1) year of aftercare programming.

Treatment Court Application

Clinton County Treatment Court Policy & Procedures

WHERE WE STARTED

Clinton County's Veterans Treatment Court was started in 2016 to address the growing number of Veterans involved in the criminal justice system. Veterans Treatment Court was created to promote sobriety, recovery, and stability through a coordinated response involving Clinton County’s Judges, Court Administration, the District Attorney, Public Defender, Adult Probation, the Mental Health Program, Domestic Relations, County Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition, there are veteran volunteers, some of whom serve on the Treatment Team and others who serve as Mentors. The goal is to give each program participant the best possible chance of getting back on track as a healthy, productive Veteran and citizen. 

REGIONAL VETERANS TREATMENT COURT

In 2023 the Pennsylvania Courts have announced the establishment of a Regional Veterans Treatment Court which will serve eight central Pennsylvania counties. The Court has anticipated to begin proceedings in early 2024.

“Too often we see veterans in smaller counties falling through the cracks of the system, simply because they never knew there were options available to them, by establishing this new regional court, we’re giving veterans in rural parts of the state the same chance at a positive outcome as those in the more metropolitan areas.”, said Judge Salisbury.

Currently, Blair, Clinton, Centre and Mifflin counties host treatment courts within their judicial districts – and among them, only Clinton County has an existing veterans court program. The new Regional Veterans Court initiative aims to extend this crucial support to previously underserved areas. The inclusion of Huntingdon, Perry, Juniata and Clearfield counties will expand the veterans treatment court network to cover 32 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.

Clinton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael Salisbury  and Blair County Court of Common Pleas Judge Wade Kagarise will both preside over the new regional court. 

“The collaboration among our counties exemplifies the power of partnership in effectuating positive change. By unifying our efforts, we are sending a clear message about our commitment to honoring veterans' contributions and aiding them in overcoming obstacles on their path to recovery,” said Judge Salisbury.  

The Regional Veterans Court will provide access to a range of essential services, including mental health resources, treatment for substance use disorder, counseling and other necessary forms of support tailored to veterans' specific needs. This initiative acknowledges the sacrifices made by veterans and aims to provide them with a supportive environment where they can rebuild their lives and regain a sense of purpose.

Source: Pennsylvania Courts Announce Establishment of Regional Veterans Court to Serve Eight Counties | News | News & Statistics | Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania (pacourts.us)

Application for Regional Veterans Treatment Court