Despite Popularity, Evidence Still Slim About Mental Health Courts’ Effectiveness
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, chairman of House Democrats’ Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, held a hearing about gun violence and mental health care on the third anniversary of the Dec. 14, 2012, shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.
Kaiser Health News:
Mental Health Courts Are Popular But Effectiveness Is Still Unproven
Mental health courts are popular in many communities, and it’s easy to understand why. ... But research is still scanty on the courts’ effectiveness at addressing offenders’ mental health problems or discouraging offenders from relapsing into criminal behavior. (Andrews, 12/15)
The Associated Press:
Mental Health Care Would Curb Violence, Some At Hearing Say
A gun club owner and a gun dealer are among those telling a congressman Monday that closing loopholes in federal background checks and increasing mental health help would reduce gun violence. California U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, chairman of House Democrats’ Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, held the hearing less than two weeks after 14 people were fatally shot in San Bernardino. (Thompson, 12/14)
