In 2017 shortly after I took office I became the presiding Judge over Cameron County’s first Criminal Mental Health Divert Court. This program was made possible through the efforts of Tropical Texas Behavioral Health and a grant they secured and a partnership with the Cameron County District Attorney’s office. This divert court is only 1 of 2 I will preside over.
The grant also requires an AOT court. This is short for Assisted Outpatient Treatment. It is a Civil Mental Health Divert Court. This program will begin soon. Part of the delay was the need for a Coordinator to assist the Court with both programs.
I am happy to announce Jessica Carrizales has joined our team and will be the Court Coordinator for both of these divert courts.
