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On Thursday, the island government’s judiciary announced the enhancement of the Specialized Mental Health Courts across the judicial districts of Arecibo, Bayamón, and Caguas. Supreme Court Chief Justice Maite Oronoz Rodríguez emphasized that this extension will aid residents from 26 municipalities, fostering the recovery and rehabilitation of individuals with mental health challenges through a therapeutic justice framework.
“The cases that fall under the Mental Health Act necessitate a unique approach, wherein treatment and rehabilitation take precedence, focusing not on punishment, but on offering support, care, and healing,” Oronoz Rodríguez stated in a written release.
The specialized courts provide options such as involuntary commitment orders and mandatory treatment under the Mental Health Act. Each court is equipped with coordinators who act as a bridge between the judiciary, mental health service providers, and the families of those involved.
The initiative is backed by several organizations, including the Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services Administration, the Department of Health, and the Legal Aid Society, among others. These specialized courts are integral to the judicial branch’s Access to Justice Program designed for individuals with mental health conditions.
