MHAC would like to thank Governor Hickenlooper for signing HB 1271, the juvenile justice reform bill, into law on April 20th, 2012. The measure will raise the age at which a youth can be moved into the adult criminal justice system, and requires a hearing before a judge where the mental health status of a youth will be taken into consideration when deciding whether their case should be tried in juvenile or adult court. Prior to this law, district attorneys across Colorado could charge juveniles as young as 14 as adults without any mandatory judicial review. We are proud to have been a part of a coalition of advocates who worked to make sure that youths in the criminal justice system, especially those with mental health and substance abuse issues, have the full benefit of due process, and the opportunity to have their case heard by a judge before they are filed directly into the adult system. MHAC will continue to work toward a criminal justice system in Colorado that ensures public safety, while also providing the opportunity for justice-involved individuals to receive mental health and substance use disorder treatment to aid in their rehabilitation.

Join MHAC in honoring 25 years of the Pro Bono Counseling and Referral Program. For 25 years the Pro Bono Program has coordinated mental health services to children, families, and seniors who are low-income or experiencing homelessness, and who could otherwise not afford those services. The program has touched more than 25,000 lives during that time.

Help Coloradans access the mental health services they need!

When: Wednesday, May 16, 5:30 PM Cocktails and Reception

Where: JW Marriot Cherry Creek Hotel, 150 Clayton LN, Denver, CO 80206

Purchase Tickets now at Blacktie Colorado with Event Code: MHAC516

(Sponsorships start at $500. Patron Tickets: $75; Young Professional Tickets: $50.)