Hays County Mental Health Court Secures $10,000 Grant for Expungement Services

The Hays County Mental Health Court (MHC) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation to enhance its expungement services. This funding, accepted by the Hays County Commissioners Court on December 2, 2023, aims to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges within the community.

Expanding Legal Aid for Graduates

The grant will allow the MHC to broaden its legal assistance, facilitating a smoother transition for program graduates into society. Kaimi Mattila, the MHC Administrator, emphasized the significance of this funding, stating, “This grant allows our graduates to move forward with their lives after completing the program, without their criminal background creating barriers to housing and employment.” This initiative is expected to substantially reduce recidivism rates in Hays County.

The funds will specifically cover specialized training for attorneys in expungement law, as well as compensation for their efforts, ensuring that participants receive the guidance they need. This strategic focus on legal support represents a critical step toward helping individuals already entangled in the justice system to clear their records and start anew.

Positive Impact on the Community

The Hays County Mental Health Court, presided over by Judge Elaine Brown, primarily serves individuals with mental health, substance use, and developmental challenges. The court aims to address these issues proactively, preventing them from escalating into criminal behavior. With the new grant, the court can extend its reach to help those already within the justice system, allowing them to emerge unburdened by a criminal record.

“When a criminal record is expunged or sealed, it’s removed from public view,” Mattila noted, highlighting the program’s potential to truly grant a fresh start to its graduates.

This approach not only benefits the individuals involved but also enhances the overall safety and stability of the community. Currently, the MHC boasts a success rate of approximately 93% and serves 35 participants. Since its inception, the program has celebrated 36 graduates, with the most recent ceremony held on December 8, 2023, recognizing 10 individuals.

The services provided by the MHC are comprehensive, including therapy, transportation assistance, substance use treatment, and peer support, all tailored to meet the diverse needs of participants. The expansion of the court’s capacity to facilitate expungements is a vital step toward helping individuals reintegrate into society as contributing members without the stigma of a criminal past.

Since its establishment in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has committed to supporting law-related initiatives, and this recent grant exemplifies that dedication. Recognized as the largest charitably funded bar foundation in the United States, the Texas Bar Foundation channels contributions from members of the State Bar of Texas to support programs like the MHC.

According to Hays County officials, this ongoing support enables programs such as the MHC to grow and effect meaningful change in the lives of individuals navigating the complexities of the justice system. By providing pathways for redemption, the MHC seeks to ensure that past mistakes do not permanently obstruct opportunities for growth and reintegration.