Wellness Court

Crook County Wellness Court Program Description:

Wellness Court is a special program in the Court system that is designed to assist individuals struggling with mental health challenges and give them the tools they need to manage their diagnosis.

The Wellness Court Judge serves as the leader of an inter-disciplinary team of professionals. That team includes: The District Attorney's Office, Crook County Parole and Probation Department, BestCare Treatment Services, Defense Attorney's to participants, the Specialty Court Coordinator, as well as other community partners. This team works together to provide intensive supervision and support to program participants.

The Wellness Court Program has four (4) phases that need to be successfully completed. The program is scheduled to be 12 months in duration, although some people may need more time to complete the program. To graduate, participants must demonstrate they are adequately managing their mental health, satisfy the conditions of treatment and Supervision, complete all phase requirements, and pay applicable fines and fees.

Court hearings are a major component of Wellness Court and occur twice a month. Prior to Wellness Court Hearings, the team reviews and discusses participants progress in treatment during a team staffing. The Judge then imposes an incentive, or a sanction based on the participants progress during the Wellness court hearing.

Participants are expected to attend and fully participate in the Wellness Court Program. This includes following all recommendations for treatment made by treatment provider. Including recommendations of attending mental health appointments, groups, support groups, medication management as well as other appointments as directed.

Wellness Court is a challenging program that requires individuals to want to make changes and work toward managing their mental health.

Benefits of Wellness Court Include:

• Access to intensive mental health and rehabilitation services.
• The agreed upon resolution of case will occur upon successful completion of the program.

For more information or questions, email the Wellness Court Coordinator Jennifer Goff at jennifer.m.goff@ojd.state.or.us  or call 541-475-3317 x70707

Entry Process:

Individuals interested in participating in the Wellness Court Program must first complete the Wellness Court Release of information (ROI) to allow the Wellness Court team to staff the individual's case. A mental health assessment is then completed to determine if individual meets program eligibility criteria. Once those tasks are completed the individual is staffed by the team and either accepted into the program or denied entry. It is recommended that individuals observe at least one Wellness Court hearing prior to entering the program.

Once accepted by the team, the individual and their defense attorney will need to complete the Wellness Court Petition and Entry Order and then E-file those forms to the Wellness Court Judge for final approval and formal entry into the program.

Upon entry into the program, all participants must meet with the Wellness Court Coordinator to complete orientation process.

Calendars

2026 CRO Wellness Court Dates.pdf

Eligibility Criteria

Release of Information Requirement

Individuals must be willing to sign a release of information for the Wellness Court team to staff their case and conduct necessary assessments.

Residency Requirements

Individuals must reside in Crook County at the time of referral to be eligible for the program. Proof of legal residency may be required to determine eligibility. Participant must continue residing in the County of the program for the duration of their participation in Recovery Court.

Eligible Charges May Include:

The criminal conduct must have a nexus to the chronic mental disorder and qualifying diagnosis. PRE-ADJUDICATION TRACK

The District Attorney reserves the right to consult with any named victim prior to determining eligibility. The input from the victim(s) will be a major contributing factor in determining whether the District Attorney will recommend entry into the program. The District Attorney reserves the right to exclude any participant from the program prior to adjudication.

In cases involving restitution, the participant must agree to pay restitution and make payment in full prior to completion of the program.

Most misdemeanor and felony crimes will be given consideration with the exception of:

1. Measure 11 Crimes (ORS 137.700)
2. Any offense involving a child victim
3. Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants
   
   Any crime involving the use of a firearm or weapon

The District Attorney's Office will consider the availability of supervised probation on misdemeanor offenses in determining whether to agree to entry into the program. As a general rule, “person crimes" will be excluded unless exceptional circumstances dictate additional review and consideration. These cases will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with the District Attorney making the final determination after consideration of the totality of the circumstances.

POST-ADJUDICATION TRACK (PROBATION TRACK)

Subject to the eligibility criteria outlined above for pre-adjudication cases, individuals on probation can be referred to the program when a probation violation has occurred. Individuals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis; however, the District Attorney serves as the gatekeeper for the referrals. If a consensus of all team members cannot be reached, the Court is the final arbiter. Conditions of probation may be altered to include participation in Wellness Court.

Consideration for Participation in the Program

Consideration for successful completion of Wellness Court are at the discretion of the District Attorneys Office and should be negotiated prior to entry into the program. In addition to the factors set forth by ORS 135.415, the District Attorneys Office will consider the nature

underlying offense, the offender's prior criminal history, input from the victim(s), and any other relevant factors in determining the recommendations upon successful completion of Wellness Court. Consideration for participation in the program may include:

• Possible early termination from probation
• Possible dismissal of misdemeanor offenses
• Possible reduction of felony offenses to misdemeanor