Hon. Andrea Phoenix and Linda K. Mejias, Esq.

On August 8, 2013, the Hon. Andrea Phoenix, District Court Judge and Past President of NCWBA and WBASNY, presided over the 2013 Nassau County Mental Health Court Graduation Ceremony of six graduates of the program. Special remarks were made by the Hon. Gary Knobel, and the Hon. Norman St. George.

The Nassau County Mental Health Court is a dedicated court part that seeks to craft a meaningful response to the problems posed by defendants with mental illness in the criminal justice system. Judicial monitoring is provided to assure that the court mandated treatment plan is followed by the client, and mental health case management is used to link clients to treatment programs and related services as an alternative to incarceration.

It was touching to see the graduates of the program there with the support of their families. Each graduate was eager to start their new life and each was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the program.

Congratulations to the graduates and our heartfelt appreciation to Judge Phoenix who presides over this dedicated part with compassion, fairness, and the genuine desire to help each participant.