Las Vegas Court's Mental Health Program Helps Break the Cycle for Unhoused Individuals

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) — Encountering homelessness in the Las Vegas Valley has become a routine part of our day-to-day experience.

Numerous individuals cycle through the justice system multiple times due to minor offenses without addressing the underlying issues related to their mental health.

When the Mental Health Court within the Justice Court was established last February, Monday marked the graduation of the inaugural class.

FOX5 reported finding 34-year-old Brittany Johnson at this location. She assisted in kicking off the graduation ceremony by delivering the Pledge of Allegiance.

I was staying in a park where individuals kept approaching me with the intention to fight, and I would defend myself," she explained. "This wasn't a wise situation to be in, and I was using drugs at the time.

Johnson stated that drugs were destroying her life and her mental health was declining. Additionally, she had to deal with trespassing and assault charges.

"My first reaction was, 'Why? I don’t feel like doing this. This is just going to be another ineffective program,' " Johnson stated.

However, it did work.

Because of her mental health issues and homelessness, Johnson became eligible for the mental health court. According to an interview with FOX5, she learned about this program while she was detained at the Clark County Detention Center.

Nine other participants graduated alongside Johnson on Monday.

This initiative for the Justice Court was led by Judges Nadia Wood and Eric Goodman.

The judges inform FOX5 that most of the participants are homeless and not receiving medication for their mental health issues, which probably led to their minor offenses.

“Because you were unmedicated in the throws of psychosis, you ended up doing this thing, but when we get you on this you don’t commit this violence,” Wood said.

Prior to Monday’s graduation ceremony, the two judges met exclusively with FOX5.

"What we observed and uncovered was a void for people engaging in quality-of-life offenses. These include individuals sleeping on sidewalks, urinating publicly, and wearing sagging pants. Crimes commonly linked to those without stable housing," Wood explained.

Victoria Saha What drove both of you to put in such immense effort to turn this mental health court into a reality?

Eric Goodman I've likely spent around two or three months waiting as an alternative option. As soon as I began noticing this cycle at CCDC, where someone experiencing homelessness gets arrested for a minor offense related to their housing status—like loitering—they might spend just one, two, or maybe up to three days each week, or even 15 days total, locked away before being let go back onto the streets again.

This rotating entryway ultimately ends up costing the taxpayers.

As stated in a 2024 report presented to the Clark County Board of Commissioners, the daily expense for housing an inmate at CCDC amounts to $275.

That amounts to $100,375 per year.

This mental health court serves as another option for that.

"It’s simply a cycle that keeps repeating. We’re aiming to put an end to this continuous loop for many of these individuals. The truth is, these folks aren’t dangerous," Goodman stated.

Thanks to a federal grant, participants are provided with accommodation along with access to a case manager. This professional assists them in managing their medications, attending counseling sessions, and appearing at court hearings as needed.

Saha Is there any aspect of your role as judges where you might encounter the same individual repeatedly and wonder about the reasons behind this?

Goodman Even after 16 years, I continue to encounter these individuals. I recognize them well. Whenever I spot their names on my calendar, I think, 'Alright, here comes another meeting with him.'

Nadia Wood When you encounter someone who feels familiar due to repeated sightings, it makes one wonder—can we try something different? What steps can we take to alter this situation?

Wood stressed that the participants needed to exert effort to ensure they remained aligned with the program's requirements.

The graduation on Monday came about because of that.

"I would either end up deceased on the streets or in prison if not for this program. I might have died from a drug overdose on the street," Johnson stated.

Johnson concluded her talk with FOX5 by emphasizing once again how crucial it is to avoid judging a homeless individual.

"Don’t evaluate a book based on its cover. Avoid judging the homeless by their appearance. Each of us has a complex backstory," Johnson stated.

The participants received the necessary medications for their mental well-being and underwent regular drug testing as part of the program.

Wood and Goodman are pleased that every participant has maintained their sobriety and hasn’t been involved in any new incidents since joining the mental health court program.