Virginia’s Judicial system has established some behavioral health dockets within existing Virginia courts under the leadership of presiding judges to address offenders with serious mental illness and drug use disorders that contributes to criminal behavior.  It is a voluntary program and uses evidence-based practices to diagnose mental illness and provide appropriate treatment, enhances public safety, reduces recidivism, ensures offender accountability, and promotes offender rehabilitation in the community.  

The Fairfax County General District Court mental health docket is active and aims to divert eligible defendants with diagnosed mental health disorders into judicially supervised, community-based treatment, designed and implemented by a team of court staff, including Probation Officers, and mental health professionals.    For those who agree to the terms and conditions of community supervision, a team of docket and treatment professionals work together to develop service plans and supervise participants.  This is thought to reduce criminal activity and increase linkages to treatment services, improving outcomes for individuals.

See the Court Schedule for hearing dates and times: Court Schedule | General District Court (fairfaxcounty.gov)

Coordinator: Michelle Cowherd (Email: Laura.Cowherd@fairfaxcounty.gov Phone: (703) 223 - 2124)

See this link for more information: Specialty Docket Services: Behavioral Health Dockets (BHD) (vacourts.gov)