Bucks County officials are targeting the much anticipated start of their mental health court before the end of the year, but a critical component of it could be operating as soon as this summer.
Commissioners Chairwoman Diane Ellis-Marseglia confirmed a plan is being developed to open a new forensic diversion and treatment center that would provide services to individuals referred by the courts.
Bucks is the only county in the Philadelphia region that does not have a mental health court, which helps people with persistent uncontrolled serious mental illness avoid the criminal justice system, which is not equipped to handle their complex needs.