Criminal Issues
The Mental Health Association of MN is contacted about criminal issues. Advocates will advise the caller to work closely with the attorney or the probation officer, but it is often the case that the contacting party will have a few concerns that they will wish to discuss with an advocate. It is not uncommon for callers to inform us that needed mental health care is not being provided in the correctional setting. The advocate will inform the contacting party how to go about requesting mental health care. Other times, the client and the advocate may discuss the possibility of a case going to a mental health court when the county has that option. People often ask whether the court will consider the mental illness in the hearing or sentencing. The advocate will discuss the concerns, but will ask the caller to discuss the matter with their attorney.
