Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health

This month, we’re featuring Laura Elmore LeBlanc, Chief Executive Officer of the Sobering Center. She shares what you need to know about the Sobering Center and the vital role it plays in supporting the Austin-Travis County community. Tune in to learn more about their impact and the services they provide—you won’t want to miss this episode!

This October, JCMH Executive Director Kristi Taylor will be speaking at the Criminal Justice Mental Health Conference, where she will share her expertise in understanding the impact of adverse childhood experiences on behavior, brain development in youth, and the important role grief plays in the lives of young people. She will also highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration and improve system-wide outcomes at the intersection of mental health and justice.

After 17 years on the bench, Judge Leon Grizzard has retired from one of Texas’s first mental health courts, leaving a lasting impact on our justice system. Known for his compassion, integrity, and deep expertise in mental health law, Judge Grizzard has been a true champion for those navigating the intersection of mental illness and the law. We are proud to celebrate his extraordinary legacy. Thank you, Judge Grizzard.

Thank you to all of our JCMH Commissioners and Collaborative Councilmembers who were able to attend our Commission Meeting on May 15! We are grateful to each of our Commissioners for their continued dedication, leadership, and commitment to improving outcomes at the intersection of mental health and justice every day.

Today is the deadline to apply to speak at the 9th Annual Judicial Summit on Mental Health!

There’s still time to submit your presentation proposal for this year’s Summit, taking place November 5–6, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos, Texas.

Have a great idea for a session or presentation? We’d love to hear from you!

The application closes tonight at 11:59 PM CST: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CRVTZSP

Happy Memorial Day. Today we honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Last week, the JCMH hosted its first-ever in-person Collaborative Council Meeting. We are grateful to our Collaborative Council members for their engagement and participation in such meaningful discussions. We look forward to the important work this group will continue to do in the future.

For this week’s Mental Health Minute, we’re highlighting just a few of the many resources and initiatives offered by the JCMH. While we selected three to feature, there are many more available on our website.

1. The Judicial Summit on Mental Health brings together members of the judiciary, behavioral health and medical professionals, attorneys, law enforcement leaders, and policymakers from across Texas to advance coordinated responses for individuals with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or substance use disorders who encounter the justice system.

2. Backed by a $1.4 million legislative appropriation, the Court Liaison Pilot Program will support five counties in implementing a full-time Court Liaison to improve outcomes, increase efficiency, and better leverage local and state resources.

3. Our Innovations Map highlights the work of Texas courts addressing local mental health challenges through innovative programs and partnerships. While the map does not yet reflect every available resource, we are continuing to expand it as we connect with communities across the state.

Learn more about these initiatives and additional resources on our website: https://texasjcmh.gov/

Reminder to Apply for Cohort Two of the Court Liaison Pilot Program!

The Texas Legislature funded JCMH with $1.4 million to support five counties over four years in establishing a Court Liaison position to strengthen coordination between courts and behavioral health systems.

Applications are due June 1, with funding beginning in FY27.

Link to apply:https://texasjcmh.gov/media/qrpfhlxk/rfa-cohort-2-final-4-15-26.pdf