News Summary
Baltimore recently commemorated the graduation of 12 participants from its mental health court, underscoring efforts to assist individuals with mental health challenges in the justice system. Arianna Santos, one of the graduates, has shown remarkable progress despite her initial struggles. She has emerged from treatment with newfound independence and aspirations to help others. The mental health court program aims to reduce recidivism through support and rehabilitation, highlighting its effectiveness in transforming lives.
Baltimore recently celebrated the graduation of 12 participants from its mental health court, highlighting the ongoing efforts to support individuals facing mental health challenges within the criminal justice system. Among the graduates was Arianna Santos, who has made significant strides since her legal troubles began approximately three years ago due to issues associated with anger control.
Santos, who was only 18 at the time of her legal issues, was determined by a judge to be incompetent to stand trial owing to an intellectual disability. However, the judge ruled that she posed no threat to the community. This determination led Santos to the Baltimore City District Court’s mental health court, where she has since received support and treatment tailored to her needs.
This year, Santos spent six months at the Potomac Center, a state-run facility in Hagerstown specifically designed for adults with intellectual disabilities. During her time there, she not only worked on her mental health but also achieved academic success by earning her high school diploma from Clear Spring High School. Santos engaged in various enriching experiences, including participating in school trips to destinations like Spain and Portland, Oregon.
Regular contact with mental health providers, a probation agent, and support from an organization under the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration called Living Sans Frontieres have been pivotal in Santos’s rehabilitation journey. Her graduation from the mental health court represents a symbol of her hard work and resilience.
About the Mental Health Court Program
The mental health court is a structured program that falls under a broader initiative of “problem-solving courts” in Maryland, which also includes drug treatment courts and veterans courts. These courts offer alternative solutions to traditional criminal proceedings by focusing on treatment and rehabilitation rather than punishment. Participants in the mental health court either enter as part of a guilty plea or are sent there after being deemed incompetent to stand trial, provided they do not pose a danger to public safety.
Individuals in this program undergo screening for mental illnesses and craft a treatment plan in collaboration with court staff and mental health professionals. The primary goal of the mental health court is to reduce recidivism rates by addressing the underlying causes contributing to criminal behavior.
Judge Theresa Morse, who oversees the mental health court, emphasized the collaborative nature of the program when compared to traditional court proceedings. Since its establishment in 2010, the mental health court has graduated more than 500 participants, each receiving a certificate recognizing their commitment to treatment and progress in emotional management.
Spotlight on Graduate Stories
During the graduation ceremony held in Brooklyn, Santos spoke about the importance of seeking help and transforming her life through the program. She credited her experience in the mental health court with helping her develop independence, patience, and essential social skills.
Another graduate, Darryl Harper, shared his own journey of overcoming depression and homelessness, particularly in the wake of his mother’s passing. Harper has since found stable housing and is pursuing a career as a certified peer recovery specialist, showcasing the program’s success in transforming lives.
Arianna Santos’s Future Goals
As Santos approaches her 21st birthday, she continues to thrive. Currently residing in Owings Mills with support staff, she works in the fast-food industry and has successfully earned a forklift certification. Looking ahead, Santos aspires to attend college with the goal of supporting children with autism, further illustrating the potential for recovery and growth stemming from the mental health court’s rehabilitative efforts.
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Additional Resources
- The Daily Record: Baltimore Mental Health Court Graduation
- Wikipedia: Mental Health Court
- The Baltimore Sun: Anne Arundel County Mental Health Court
- Google Search: Mental Health Court Program
- Baltimore Beat: Court Intervention in Crisis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health
- The Baltimore Sun: Maryland Violates 10-Day Law
- Google News: Maryland Mental Health Court
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
