Clayton County Behavioral Health Accountability Court

Court Mission

The mission of the Clayton County Behavioral Health Accountability Court (CCBHAC) is to provide a court supervised diversionary program to adult offenders who suffer from a severe and persistent mental illness; including those with a co-occurring disorder.  The court will improve public safety by reducing the recidivism rates of people with mental illnesses, reduce corrections cost by providing an alternative to incarceration, and improve the quality of life of people with a mental illness by connecting them with treatment and preventing re-involvement in the criminal justice system. 

Court History

In 2020, the Clayton Country Behavioral Health Accountability Court launched as result of multi-agency involvement, including the Clayton County Superior Court, the Clayton County Sheriff, the Clayton County Police Department, the Clayton County District Attorney, the Clayton County Office of Public Defense and local providers.  Prior to deciding to begin the court, members of the Judiciary, along with local treatment providers, local community agencies, and members discussed the overdue need for this type of court in the community.  The Clayton County Behavioral Health Accountability Court Program began on July 1, 2020. 

The Clayton County Behavioral Health Accountability Court is presided over by the Honorable Shana Rooks Malone.  

Court Description

The CCBHAC came into existence during the year 2020, in the midst of a pandemic, to provide treatment for individuals who were non-violent felony defendants with a severe and persistent mental illness. The accountability program is an intensive outpatient treatment program which provides an opportunity for those with documented behavioral problems, or co-occurring disorders to get treatment and avoid additional incarceration if they successfully complete the 18 to 24-month felony program. The participants receive judicial monitoring, group and individual counseling, assistance with housing, and support with transportation during the early stages of treatment. As the participant progresses through the program, they move to different phases of the treatment in order to facilitate their transition back to into the community. CCBHAC consists of several dedicated partners including, but not limited to state, federal agencies, local community agencies, and individuals. The target population includes individuals who have been charged with non-violent criminal felonies offenses who have challenges with behavioral health issues or who may be dually diagnosed with substance use challenges.

For More Information:

Adrienne Bowen
Behavioral Health Accountability Court Coordinator
Clayton County Superior Court
9151 Tara Boulevard, Suite 3CA01
Jonesboro, GA   30236
Telephone: 770.477.4548
Cell: 770.261.8139
Adrienne.Bowen@claytoncountyga.gov