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Mental health court has graduation ceremony
By Joe Gorman
YOUNGSTOWN
Judge Maureen Sweeney says when she began a Mental Health Court in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court in 2005, there was just one defendant.
During a graduation ceremony Thursday for the court, two people graduated and had their cases dismissed, and another four advanced their cases closer to completion.
The court’s ceremony took place in Judge Sweeney’s courtroom, and Joyce Thomas, author of “Miracle Complete,” which documented her own battles with mental illness, was the main speaker.
The Mental Health Court is a program designed to work with felony criminal defendants with mental-health issues who, as a result of their illness, come in contact with the justice system. Participants in the court go through a two-year program instead of jail time.
Thomas told those in attendance one of the keys to conquering mental illness is to have a healthy self esteem.
“We must all first love ourselves and learn when to give, when not to give and when to withdraw,” Thomas said.
She told them to be honest with themselves about their feelings and that they can be a positive example, both to those who suffer from mental illness and others.
“Don’t make your life complicated. Make it simple. Don’t give up,” Thomas said.
She congratulated those who moved forward in the court’s docket and urged the graduates to “keep graduating through life by going after reachable goals.”
“You can be an excellent example for others,” Thomas said.
Judge Sweeney told the two people whose cases were being dismissed that Thursday was a big day for them.
“It’s opening up a whole new way of life for you,” Judge Sweeney said. “It’s a new beginning.” Judge Sweeney also urged the two graduates to keep in touch and to remember to seek help if they need it.
“We need to support each other,” Judge Sweeney said.
About 20 people will have their cases handled by the court when it recommences in January.