In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the progress and challenges of Colorado's competency docket, a specialized court system designed to address the intersection of mental health and criminal justice. The meeting highlighted the significant strides made since the inception of the competency docket, which was the first of its kind in the state and has since inspired ten other jurisdictions to adopt similar models.

Key speakers included Chief Judge Susan Blanco and representatives from various legal and mental health organizations, who shared success stories and the ongoing need for effective mental health treatment within the criminal justice system. The meeting underscored the alarming statistic that individuals with serious mental illness are twice as likely to be arrested after leaving incarceration, emphasizing the necessity of addressing mental health needs to prevent recidivism.

The number of court-ordered competency evaluations has surged from an estimated 60,000 three years ago to approximately 130,000 annually, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in legal proceedings. Currently, nearly 27.5% of these evaluations result in a finding of incompetence, with about 35,750 defendants deemed unable to stand trial each year in the U.S.

Recent data revealed a decrease in the number of individuals awaiting competency evaluations in Colorado jails, dropping from 460 in July 2023 to 227 in July 2024, with average wait times also reduced from 111.5 days to 80.3 days. This improvement is attributed to the efforts of the competency docket team, which aims to connect individuals with necessary resources and support rather than allowing them to languish in jail.

The meeting also addressed the competency evaluation process, which involves assessing an individual's understanding of court proceedings and their ability to assist in their defense. While the majority of individuals can be restored to competency through various programs, a small percentage may face ongoing challenges due to cognitive deficits or severe mental health issues.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the critical need for continued collaboration between the legal and mental health systems to ensure that individuals receive appropriate care and support, ultimately aiming to reduce the cycle of incarceration for those with mental health challenges.