Woodland man graduates from Mental Health Court

A Woodland man recently graduated from the Mental Health Court program in Department 8 of the Yolo County Superior Courts via Zoom.

On Thursday, 33-year-old Phillip Collins was congratulated by team members who helped him along his journey during the minimum 18-month program, according to a press release from Yolo County Administrator’s Office.

“What you said in one of your essays should be the mantra of Mental Health Court,” said Judge Peter Williams, who presides over Mental Health Court. “You said your advice to others is to be patient, and patience doesn’t mean you have to be perfect, it means for you to grow into a better person. Congratulations, Phil.”

Mental Health Court is a court-based treatment and monitoring system for adult offenders with serious mental illness and is designed to increase the treatment of engaged participants while reducing arrests, hospitalizations and jail time.

Prior to completing the program, Collins was homeless in Davis before he was arrested on Sept. 26, 2018 for attempting to steal a bike out of a garage. Collins pled no contest to second-degree burglary with his conviction deferred in order to enroll in the program.

Mental Health Court, which has a maximum of 30 participants, follows the Forensic Assertive Community Treatment model where participants get intense services two hours per week or meet with staff four times per week. In an effort to reduce recidivism, treatment focuses on mental health, substance abuse, housing, vocational and school and physical health.

The program is a collaborative effort between the Yolo County Superior Court, probation, Health and Human Services Agency, the public defender and the district attorney.

During the 12-month period after enrolling in Mental Health Court, participants had a 73% decrease in arrests, a 93% decrease in jail bed stays, a 35% decrease in local hospital bed stays, and a 100% decrease in state hospital bed stays, the press release said.

Due to funding provided by the Community Corrections Partnership, the team will also be starting a Mental Health Diversion program for those with less severe mental illnesses.

“I want to thank (Probation Officer) Stephen for being the man in my corner,” Collins said. “Thanks to (Probation Officer) Jasmine for being such a great friend. Thanks to (Health & Human Services Agency Caseworker) Terri, who even to this day is helping me, it does not stop with her, she is a machine, and one heck of a pitcher in kickball.”

After the graduation, the charges filed against Collins were dismissed by Williams. Collins, who now resides in an apartment in Woodland, will participate in the alumni program where he will attend events and support current participants.