Court Looks to Address Mental Health Issues

One out of every four inmates in Colorado prisons is mentally ill. In Arapahoe County, efforts are underway to change that. From Colorado Public News, Ann Imse reports that a one-year-old mental health court is having remarkable results keeping chronic criminals out of prison.

Photo Caption: Barbara, left, a defendant in the Arapahoe County Mental Health court, consults with Magistrate Laura Findorff, right, and Gina Shimeall, court coordinator. An 11-time convicted felon, Barbara has made significant progress halting her criminal behavior and addictions, and credits the counseling, therapy and structure she receives from the problem-solving court. (Photo by Mike McPhee, Colorado Public News)