Summit County Common Pleas Court’s specialized docket for mental health recently met the standards to earn its final recertification from the Supreme Court of Ohio.

The HOPE Court specialized docket stands for healing, opportunity, progress, and empowerment. It was established in 2018 by Judge Alison M. Breaux. She still presides over the program today with the help of her team of licensed treatment providers, law enforcement, court personnel, attorneys, and other dedicated members. The docket helps individuals with severe mental health diagnoses and facing felony charges to navigate the court system, while establishing stability, recovery, and success.

Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy congratulated Judge Breaux and the HOPE team for meeting the standards required for final recertification.

“When all other government and social systems fail, individuals struggling with untreated mental health illnesses often find their way into the criminal justice system,” said Chief Justice Kennedy. “Mental health specialized dockets are our best hope to address the impact of an uneven and imperfect mental health treatment system,” she explained, noting that “these dockets offer therapeutic treatment and an opportunity to improve the quality of life for the person suffering from mental illness. At the same time, mental health specialized dockets help protect the local community by breaking the cycle of criminalistic behavior, enhancing public safety.”

The Supreme Court certifies specialized dockets to address the specific treatment needs of people facing certain criminal charges. Those dockets must use recommended best practices that focus on offender accountability, behavior change, and recovery. Courts that meet those standards can tailor their programs to meet their community’s needs and resources.

To be recertified, the Summit County Common Pleas Court had to submit a detailed application, undergo a visit from the Supreme Court’s Specialized Dockets Section staff, report on its practices, and provide specific program materials.

“Recertification of HOPE Court stands as proof that the justice system can be both firm and compassionate, while reducing recidivism, restoring dignity, and improving lives,” said Judge Breaux. “When our participants have the desire and will for change, and we have the resources and a supportive team, we can help turn a moment of crisis into a path toward stability and success.”