The Legal Aid Society is calling on New York lawmakers to pass the Treatment Court Expansion Act. This legislation would connect individuals to appropriate services when deemed suitable by a judge, has been shown to reduce recidivism, and would save the state and taxpayers millions of dollars.

For decades, New York has primarily relied on our jails and prison as the default response for individuals experiencing serious mental health and substance use disorders. This approach has been proven to lead to further institutional involvement and crime, ultimately creating immense harm to both the individual and the general public, all while costing the state billions.  

Mental health courts offer a proven, humane alternative. These courts divert individuals into treatment and supportive services instead of jail, dramatically reducing recidivism and improving public safety and health outcomes.

The Treatment Court Expansion Act would provide the legislative authority to establish mental health courts in every county in the state, similar to the way Drug Law Reform created drug courts across the state in 2009.  Expanding and modernizing our state’s diversion court network would safely off-ramp tens of thousands of New Yorkers each year.

“Incarceration is not the answer to public safety — especially as we continue to witness the inhumane conditions and mistreatment faced by individuals caught in the ongoing crisis at Rikers Island and across New York State prisons,” said Tina Luongo, Chief Attorney of the Criminal Defense Practice at Aid.

“The Treatment Court Expansion Act presents a long-overdue, life-saving alternative by creating a path to treatment for thousands of people in jail living with mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders,” they continued. “Grounded in harm reduction and guided by clinically trained professionals, this legislation offers a compassionate, evidence-based approach that centers healing, public health, and community safety.”