TREATMENT AND SUPPORT COURT (TASC)
WHAT is TASC?
• TASC is a specialty court to improve the response of individuals with a co-occurring substance
use disorder and mental illness who because of their illness and addiction have come into
contact with the criminal justice system.
• TASC is a team based program. The team is led by the Honorable J. Joseph Rossi and consists of
a Court Coordinator, both a Prosecuting and Defense attorney, a Probation Officer, 2 Clinical
Liaisons, a Network of Treatment Providers, a Recovery Coach, and Circuit Court Personnel. The
team works together for the common goal of helping participants improve their mental health
and general well-being, promote self-sufficiency, and reduce/eliminate criminal behaviors.
WHY have a mental health court in Kent County?
To reduce the incarceration of individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders and
to reduce the likelihood that they will commit future crimes.
HOW does it work?
• Intense court supervision (monthly court reviews, increased meetings with probation officer,
meeting with TASC Clinical Liaison) to insure requirements and conditions are adhered to.
• Weekly alcohol and drug testing for the duration of the program is required.
• Linking participants to local substance use and mental health providers. Participation in
treatment throughout the duration of the program is required.
• Case Management to coordinate care across multiple systems.
• The program can be completed in as little as 15.5 months but the pace is set by the participant
and may take up to 36 months to complete.
WHO is the target population?
Participants voluntarily choose to participate and meet both legal and substance use and/or
mental health eligibility criteria:
Legal eligibility is a discretionary matter and determined on a case by case basis by the Kent County
Prosecutor’s Office. Participation depends on their current charges and prior criminal history. However,
defendants with a past or current CSC, or violent crime that resulted in death or serious bodily harm by
statute, are NOT by law eligible to participate.
Substance Use Disorder is characterized by an array of mental, physical, and behavioral symptoms that
cause problems related to loss of control, strain to one’s interpersonal life, hazardous use, tolerance and
withdrawal.
Serious Mental Illness is defined through a mental health diagnosis and is chronic, disabling, and requires
ongoing treatment to improve a person’s ability to function.
WHEN and WHERE?
Referring to the TASC Coordinator (teri.clark@kentcountymi.gov) as early as possible yields the
greatest outcomes for your client. Completing Section I initiates a referral.