On Wednesday, seven people were honored for graduating from Mental Health Court, a branch of the accountability courts.

Troup County Mental Health Court began in January 2013 and serves adults with either felony or misdemeanor charges (nonviolent crimes) who are mentally ill.

The court serves to promote a safer community by identifying offenders in need of mental health services and help them successfully complete the judicially supervised treatment program.

Wednesday’s accountability court graduation was the first one held since the passing of Judge Quillian Baldwin.

Baldwin would meet with participants twice a week and review their progress. He was known for being honest with the participants and keeping them in check.

The goal of the mental health court program is help each offender treat and address their mental illness. According to the court’s mission statement, the end results will be an improved quality of life for both the offender, and their family which will also result in a reduction in crime and recidivism in the courts.

Troup County offers the following Accountability Court programs:

• Felony Adult Drug Court
• DUI/Drug Court
• Mental Health Court
• Parental Accountability Court
• Family Treatment Court

For more information, visit www.troupcountyga.gov/Courts/Accountability_Courts.