Montgomery County is looking to open a mental health court by the end of the year.  According to a story in the Intelligencer, the court would be tailored to address the specific needs of offenders convicted of nonviolent misdemeanors who also suffer from mental illness. Such courts focus on treatment and supervision in an effort to reduce the need for incarceration.  Neighboring Bucks County is not planning to open a similar court in the near future but already has some programs designed to address the needs of offenders who suffer from mental illness. To learn more about mental health courts and other specialty courts in Pennsylvania, visit our Problem Solving Courts page.