Jefferson 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 Annette Hillman serves as the leader of an inter-disciplinary team of professionals. That team includes: The District Attorney's Office, Jefferson 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 Jefferson County 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 Jefferson County Wellness Court Program. This includes following any and 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 Gayle Martin at
gayle.d.martin@ojd.state.or.us or call 541-475-3317 x70828
Entry Process:
Individuals interested in participating in the Wellness Court Program must first complete the JEF 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.
Once entered into the program, all participants must meet with the Wellness Court Coordinator to complete orientation process.
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