McKinney, Texas — The Collin County Adult Mental Health Court is transforming lives by addressing the link between mental illness and criminal behavior through a treatment-focused, collaborative approach. Co-founded by Judge Jennifer Edgeworth of the 219th District Court and Judge Lance Baxter of County Court at Law No. 3, the program offers an alternative to traditional prosecution for adults charged with misdemeanor or felony offenses tied to conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, or PTSD.

Participants enter a structured diversion program that combines supervision, accountability, and individualized treatment plans developed by a multidisciplinary team of probation officers, case managers, and mental health professionals. The program currently serves 14 participants and has graduated 42 individuals and is funded by a generous grant from the Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. 

In 2025, the court received the Judge Ruben G. Reyes Outstanding Specialty Court Team Award from the Texas Association of Specialty Courts, recognizing its impact on participants and public safety.

The program typically lasts nine months to two years, and successful participants may have their charges dismissed (where permitted by law), improving access to employment, housing, and long-term stability.  

Part of a growing national movement toward treatment-focused courts, the program emphasizes long-term recovery to keep participants from cycling in and out of the criminal justice system.

 “Our goal is to break the cycle and create lasting change,” said Judge Edgeworth.

The Family Preservation Drug Court supports parents involved in the child welfare system who are working to overcome substance use disorders. The program combines accountability with comprehensive services, including treatment, counseling, housing assistance, and recovery support. Its goal is to help parents achieve lasting sobriety, strengthen family stability, and, when appropriate, safely reunify families.

The North Texas Regional Veterans Court is a judicially supervised diversion and rehabilitation program serving veterans across Collin, Rockwall, Grayson, Kaufman, and Fannin counties. As the first regional veterans court in the nation, it supports veterans whose offenses may be linked to service-related conditions such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or substance use disorders. Through mentorship, counseling, and individualized treatment plans, the program helps veterans address underlying challenges and supports long-term reintegration into civilian life and the community.  Veterans Court is supported by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veteran’s Assistance.

The 416th District Court Drug Court is a voluntary, three-phase program for adults charged with qualifying felony offenses who struggle with substance use disorders. Drug Court’s goal is to reduce crime by leading people with substance use disorders into lives of stability, health and recovery.  Participants receive intensive supervision, with frequent court appearances, random testing, counseling, and individualized treatment services. By emphasizing accountability and structured support, the program helps participants achieve long-term recovery and reduce recidivism. Graduates have a recidivism rate of approximately 10%, with 75% maintaining sobriety for at least one year.

The 417th District Court operates multiple specialty courts designed to support high-risk youth and address the root causes of juvenile offenses. Programs include SOAR Juvenile Drug Court, GEMS for girls impacted by trafficking or exploitation, and RISE Mental Health Court for youth with mental health needs. Together, these programs provide intensive supervision, treatment, and support services that help youth remain safely in their homes and communities while building a path toward long-term success.

The Misdemeanor Veterans Court serves veterans charged with misdemeanor offenses whose conduct is linked to service-related conditions. With approval from the Criminal District Attorney, participants enter a pretrial diversion program that emphasizes treatment over prosecution. A multidisciplinary team develops individualized treatment plans and connects participants with resources through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and community providers. Through close supervision and a non-adversarial approach, the program supports recovery, reduces recidivism, and allows successful participants to have their charges dismissed.

The DWI/Drug Court Program is a court-supervised treatment program for non-violent offenders with substance use disorders. Participants complete a minimum 12-month program that includes regular court appearances, treatment services, random testing, recovery meetings, and probation supervision. By combining accountability with support, the program promotes personal responsibility, long-term sobriety, and improved community safety.​