IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – Johnson County officials are considering adding a Criminal Mental Health Court program aimed at keeping some people with mental illness out of jail.
The program would not apply to everyone charged with a crime. Defendants would need certain diagnoses, including schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders.
At a Johnson County work session on Wednesday, the prosecutor discussed how the program could affect people struggling with serious and persistent mental illness. The program would be voluntary, though law enforcement entities could make recommendations.
Johnson County has received a $115,000 grant from the state to start the program, but officials said it would cover about one-third of the cost.
Scott County already has a criminal mental health court program. In Scott County, most defendants who avoided jail through the program were living on the streets.
Rachel Zimmermann Smith, the Johnson County attorney, said treatment combined with structure and supervision can help participants live in the community and reduce contact with law enforcement.
“If they are able to have treatment and they have structure and supervision, they’re able to live in the community and hopefully we could reduce their contact with law enforcement and thus reduce their time in jail,” Zimmermann Smith said.
Scott County’s program has helped 120 people get treatment and stay committed to their recovery, including taking medications. Scott County also said people who graduate from criminal mental health court avoid reoffending and have fewer hospital admissions.
Copyright 2026 KCRG. All rights reserved.