Commissioners recently approved the first mental health court to provide help and resources to people who have a mental illness.

SAN ANTONIO – A specialty mental health court in Bexar County that handles only felony cases is getting a boost through a grant from University Health System, according to 379th District Court Judge Ron Rangel. The grant funds will be able to supply additional staff and resources, Rangel says. She also has mental health issues that qualified her to participate in the pilot program. Campos was granted a pre-trial diversion during the hearing, which was a first for the court. “Before (the participants) actually plea, they enter into a contract with the court, with myself and with the state, where they’re going to go through a very rigorous program,” Rangel said.

SAN ANTONIO Though the COVID-19 Bexar County Courthouse protocol meant that the families of participants in the Bexar County Mental Health Court program were prohibited from attending graduation ceremonies, they will still get an opportunity to see the graduation. Bexar County Court 12 Judge Yolanda Huff, who manages the specialty court, arranged to have a video of the ceremony recorded. Bexar County probate, mental health courts deemed essential during pandemicThe video will be posted online on Aug. 14, at which time the graduation will become official. When the COVID hit, Ill admit I was very concerned about my mental health patients and how they would do, Huff said Monday. A week hasnt gone by that I havent had at least two to five new participants in the Mental Health Court, she said.