Mental Health Court created in Hennepin Co.

by Perry Finelli, Minnesota Public Radio

This week on Morning Edition, we are airing a series of reports on the mental health care system in Minnesota called "A Bad State of Mind: Minnesota's Fractured Mental Health System." One place where those with mental health issues can sometimes be found is in the criminal justice system, where some are arrested, tried, and released multiple times. They are also in and out of health care facilities like Hennepin County Medical Center. Some Hennepin County doctors, social workers, and judges noticed those patterns, and created a "Mental Health Court." Morning Edition substitute host Perry Finelli spoke with Hennepin County District Judge Richard Hopper, who played a key role in setting up the court, and is now its presiding judge.