2024 JCMH Summit

Hon. Jane Bland, Justice, The Supreme Court of Texas, JCMH Chair

Hon. Barbara Hervey, Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, JCMH Chair

Kristi Taylor, J.D., Executive Director, Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health

In the 1970s, thirty-two Texas men with intellectual disabilities were moved from Texas State Supported Living Centers to work in a turkey processing plant in Atalissa, Iowa. Lacking basic freedoms and foundational supports, the men were housed together in a converted schoolhouse and worked in abusive, neglectful conditions for more than 30 years. Robert Canino, who prosecuted the case of EEOC v. Hill Country Farms, Inc., dba Henry’s Turkey Services, will discuss how the EEOC used the Americans with Disabilities Act to win compensatory and punitive damages for intentional discrimination of the plaintiffs. The outcome of the case raised national awareness of similar situations across the country and illuminates the vital role in protecting and monitoring the well-being of vulnerable populations.

Presented by: 

Robert Canino, J.D., Regional Attorney, Dallas District Office, U.S. EEOC

Lesli Fitzpatrick, J.D., Director of Special Civil Litigation, Texas Department of Criminal Justice

This presentation offers an in-depth exploration of the intersection between clinical expertise and legal frameworks in civil commitment cases. Participants will gain an understanding of the clinical assessments and legal criteria that guide commitment decisions, the challenges in balancing patient rights with public safety, and the procedures involved in performing a civil commitment. 

Presented by:

Daniela Chisolm, J.D., Senior Trial Attorney, El Paso County Attorney’s Office Mental Health Unit

Roberto Kutcher-Diaz, M.D., Psychiatry Fellow, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

What are the ethical considerations of representing a client with mental illness or intellectual disabilities? And how do you foster a work-life balance as the lawyer or system partner at the intersection of mental health and the judicial system? This session will provide concrete actions that individuals or organizations can make to continue to provide ethical representation and protect the wellbeing of the professionals involved.

Presented by: 

Jessica Chevrier, M.S., Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

In this session, a Dallas District Court Judge and the Special Programs Division Chief of the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office will discuss diversion techniques and considerations for the beginning of a case before formal diversion programs are considered.

Presented by: 

Hon. Raquel “Rocky” Jones, Presiding Judge, 203rd Judicial District Court, Dallas County

Vickie Rice, J.D., Special Programs Division Chief, Dallas County Public Defender’s Office

On Wednesday before the Summit, a few attendees experienced a simulation of the common barriers facing someone returning to society after a period of incarceration. This session discusses lessons learned during this simulation and underscores best practices in court diversion programs, early identification competency restoration, and re-entry.

Presented by: 

De’borah Jones-Poole, LCDC-I, Director of Reentry Initiatives, On Point Reentry Consortium

Rochion Gregg, Training Development Manager, On Point Reentry Consortium

Katy Dalrymple, Reentry Simulation Facilitator, On Point Reentry Consortium

By using mental health treatment and resources as a protective factor, practitioners can proactively address the mental health of children who find themselves in high-risk situations. This session emphasizes the importance of nurturing resilience and adaptability to address symptoms of grief and trauma before negative behaviors lead children to become involved in the criminal justice system.

Presented by: 

Julie Kaplow, Ph.D., A.B.P.P., Executive Vice President for Trauma and Grief Programs and Policy and Executive Director, Trauma and Grief Center at The Hackett Center for Mental Health

Yolanda Lewis, M.P.A., Executive Vice President for Justice and Health and Executive Director, Center for Justice and Health, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute

This panel will explore the harmful effects of biases and stereotypes that affect girls and women within the criminal legal and mental health systems. It will specifically address stereotypes related to adultification, personality disorders, and addiction. Panelists will discuss strategies for professionals working within these systems to recognize and challenge their internal biases in ways that lead to more person-centered and equitable approaches.

Presented by:

Angel Carroll, Director of Advocacy, Measure

Marci Simmons, Director of Community Engagement, Lioness Justice Impacted Women’s Alliance

Jennifer Toon, Executive Director, Lioness Justice Impacted Women’s Alliance

Critical to the success of individuals who suffer from a substance use disorder is ensuring that evidence-based treatment services are available for their children and families. During this session, participants will review the importance of having access to and using a continuum of evidence-based substance use treatment resources—from in-patient residential treatment to outpatient services. Referral processes, case planning, use of family-based therapies, mental health services, and applying trauma-focused care for youth and families will all be discussed.

Presented by:

Erin Rodriguez, M.S., L.C.P.C., L.A.C., President and Owner, Selah Clinical Services P.C.

HHSC began the Jail In-Reach Learning Collaborative (JIRLC) in 2021 to support efforts to monitor and reduce the number of cases where defendants are found incompetent to stand trial in county jails. Learn from the successes and challenges the JIRLC and its participants have faced from its inception until now.

Presented by: 

Omar Hernandez, Waitlist In-Reach Coordinator, Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Felix Torres, M.D., M.B.A., Chief of Forensic Medicine, Texas Health and Human Services Commission

This panel of judges, attorneys, and mental health experts will walk attendees through one or more real case fact patterns while identifying the points at which a child’s potential MH or IDD needs could be identified, the points at which the child could be diverted, & the appropriate services and dispositions that could be ordered.

Presented by:

Hon. Cyndi Porter Gore, Judge, Allen Municipal Court

Hon. Cynthia Wheless, Judge, 417th District Court, Collin County

Molly Davis, J.D., Director of Operations, JCMH

Lynn Hadnot, M.S., Director, Collin County Juvenile Probation Services

Jerri Clark is family resource and advocacy manager at Treatment Advocacy Center (TAC). Her work honors her son, who died from an under-treated severe bipolar disorder. In this session she will speak about how her lived experience has moved her to support system change for people with the most severe and disabling mental illness conditions and the people who love them.

Presented by:

Jerri Clark, Family Resource and Advocacy Manager, Treatment Advocacy Center

Attendees will explore methods for recognizing mental health issues among individuals involved in court proceedings, including strategies for identifying major MH disorders. The session will offer practical guidance on supporting individuals with mental illness in court. Additionally, this presentation will address the importance of fostering a healthy work environment for court staff, with a focus on mitigating stress and promoting self-care practices.

Presented by:

Hon. Brent Carr, Jurist-in-Residence, JCMH

Carol Nati, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, MHMR of Tarrant County

This presentation will teach attendees what it’s like to take on the multidisciplinary role of a Social Worker in a rural setting working with forensic mental health clients. Speakers will discuss the intersectionality of their roles, and how they use diversion tactics that focus on communication, early intervention, and collaboration. Information will be presented so that other counties may replicate these programs.

Presented by:

Robert Fox, Mental Health Deputy, Llano County Sheriff's Office

Wesley Patton, Community Paramedic Captain, Blanco County EMS

Jeff Phillips, Mental Health Deputy, Llano County Sheriff's Office

Christina Sanders, M.C.J., Mental Health Case Worker, Hill Country Regional Public Defender’s Office

The Downtown Austin Community Court uses a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to help people resolve outstanding cases. Learn how this is accomplished through completing activities that help resolve their experience with homelessness, such as participating in case management and accessing MH & substance use treatment.

Presented by:

Yvonne Mboss, L.C.S.W.-S, Clinical Case Manager Supervisor, Downtown Austin Community Court

Jennifer Sowinski, L.C.S.W., Clinical Operations Manager, Downtown Austin Community Court

This session offers a step-by-step guide for developing and implementing a specialty court. Attendees will gain insights into key considerations such as stakeholder engagement, program development, legal frameworks, and effective case management strategies.

Presented by:

Hon. Victor Villarreal, Judge, Webb County Court-at-Law II

Morgan Miller, J.D., General Counsel, Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department

Focusing on hands on experiences and practical insights from the Terrell State Hospital, this presentation offers a detailed look at the strategies employed to assess and address the needs of patients undergoing competency restoration at Texas State Hospitals.

Presented by:

Mark Messer, D.O., Superintendent and Medical Director, Terrell State Hospital

This presentation will use the lens of youth interactions with the judicial system to highlight alternatives to incarceration, early identification of at-risk individuals, and cross disciplinary collaborations to create safer and more resilient communities.

Presented by:

Kate Shaw, Ph.D., L.M.S.W., Regional Prevention Coordinator, U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security