This summer, the QC Interfaith's Restorative Justice Task Force announced the formation of a mental health court demonstration project for Scott County, Iowa which began operating in July.  The mental health court demonstration project has been formed in conjunction with the 7th Judicial District of Iowa and with the generous support of Genesis Philanthropy, which awarded QCI and the project $50,000.00.

A Mental Health Court is a diversion program designed to treat  people with mental health conditions who are in the criminal court system;reduce recidivism and reduce the number of persons with mental illness in jail. 

Transitions Mental Health Services will serve at the project's  Care Coordinator for participants and will work with a team including Judge Mark Smith, the Scott County Attorney's office, local mental health and other service providers, probation and the public defenders office . If a participant successfully completes the program  sentences can be waived; can be reduced to probationary periods; and, criminal records can be cleared.