Rebooting One’s Life: Graduating from San Francisco’s Behavioral Health Court

Redemption and rehabilitation took center stage Thursday at Department 15 of the San Francisco Hall of Justice where 27 former felons were officially recognized for graduating from San Francisco’s Behavioral Health Court. (Photography was not permitted inside the courtroom). Photo by David Elliott Lewis.

By David Elliott Lewis

November 10, 2012

Twenty-seven former felons were officially recognized and celebrated Thursday for redeeming themselves following their graduation from San Francisco’s Behavior Health Court (BHC).

Judge Garrett Wong.

Over 200 people, including friends and family of the graduates – as well as senior staff from the district attorney, public defender and the Adult Probation departments – were packed into Department 15 courtroom at the 1950s-era San Francisco Hall of Justice.  Judge Garrett L. Wong presided over the proceedings.

The ceremony was intensely poignant. Some cried. Some laughed. All smiled and applauded. A true sense of hope – a belief that redemption is real – radiated outward.

One client was originally charged with infanticide. Most were charged with felonies. Many faced the prospect of many years of incarceration to be released with a life-destroying stigma of a felony conviction. Now, these individuals have a second chance.

This court represents a disruptive change in the criminal justice system – transforming a primarily punitive system into one that enables people to rehabilitate and redeem themselves.

These 27 men and women graduated from a program that currently serves about 150 and offers two graduations per year. As defendants become clients, they are required to participate in life and job skills training programs – programs managed through a collaborative process of multiple city agencies including the Family Services Agency (FSA), Westside Community Services and Citywide Community Focus.

All had obtained stable housing and employment or enrollment in skills-training programs. Upon graduation, felonies were reduced to misdemeanors and misdemeanors were dismissed. Court imposed fines and fees were waved. With the removal of these criminal penalties, lives were restored.

In pairs, threesomes and sometimes foursomes, clients with their case managers approached the front of the packed courtroom to be greeted by the judge, assistant district attorney and public defender. Their successful participation in rehabilitation and recovery programs was acknowledged. The atmosphere was thick with meaning and anticipation. Emotions ran strong.

In case-after-case, case managers gave specific examples of the successes enjoyed by their clients including finding housing, getting jobs, staying clean, helping to right the wrongs they inflicted, and completing vocational training programs. Many of the clients obtained paying jobs or stipend positions. Some were involved in programs to provide counseling to those who have suffered similar problems. For instance, one earned enrollment in the Peer Specialist Mental Health Certificate Program through the Richmond Area Multi-Services (RAMS) program.

Some spoke English as a second language. One client required a translator. One elicited laughs and affirmations when she said in halting English that she wanted to congratulate herself. Everyone smiled and clapped, recognizing she deserved praise.

Court officials made motions to dismiss or reduce charges. Repeatedly heard was the request, “I am asking that the court terminate the probation as successful.” In response, Susan Belinda Christian of the District Attorneys office would respond, “The people have no objection your honor.” Judge Wong responded, “It is so ordered.” Warm smiles and hearty applause followed. Good feelings swept the courtroom.

Also in attendance included Jennifer Johnson of the Pubic Defenders Office and Julie Roe of the Adult Probation Department. Public Defender Jeff Adachi was also present as well as case managers from Citywide Case Management Forensics and Jail Site and Jail Aftercare Psychiatric Services.

The BHC was created in 2002 in response to a recognition that an increasing number of defendants were suffering from serious mental illnesses. The BHC has been a stimulus and a role model for other courts around the nation. Other states, however, often limit their court admissions to less serious misdemeanor offenders. The San Francisco BHC serves mostly felony level defendants – a far more challenging group to work with.

Not all who are referred to the BHC are accepted. The criteria are strict including a requirement of victim consent. Defendants must be assessed as having an Axis 1 diagnosis – a term applied to those experiencing a serious mental illness but who do not have mental retardation. They must also not exhibit an anti-social personality disorder.

The court is far more strict in allowing admission of those charged with sexual or violent offenses. Some are admitted but only after many other conditions are met. Essentially, the court is designed for those where mental illness was the primary contributing factor behind their crimes. Also, amenability to treatment in the community mental health system is a crucial minimum requirement.

For all those who enter, participation is voluntary and they do not have to enter a plea. For those who are selected, they are truly offered a second chance, a chance to end probation early, eliminate fines and, most importantly, reduce or eliminate criminal charges – charges that would otherwise cause a lifetime of employment and housing discrimination. For these individuals, recovery and redemption become a life saving reality.

David Elliott Lewis

David was originally trained as an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist. Working as a consultant to large organizations, he created and fielded software to assist in executive performance assessment. He also taught Masters level courses in the Human Resources and Organizational Development program at the University of San Francisco. From 1984 to 2000, he founded and ran the database software development, publishing and consulting company Strategic Edge. More recently he has been engaging in political writing, photography, activism and volunteering to improve his community. He currently serves as the secretary of the city's Mental Health Board.

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