Our Role

The Judicial Mental Health Advocate is appointed by the Court to advocate for persons under a mental health court commitment per Chapter 229 of the Iowa Code. Assignment of the advocate is determined by the person’s legal residency. When an advocate is assigned, the advocate will assist with understanding the procedures used throughout the commitment process: providing information regarding the rights of a committed person; investigate any complaints or concerns and inform the court if attorney representation is necessary.

The Judicial Mental Health Advocate continues to be assigned to the person during inpatient and outpatient treatment. The frequency in which the person will have contact with the advocate varies per individual situation. The services of the advocate end only after the termination of the court ordered commitment. The termination of the mental health court commitment is determined by Court. This is usually done after the Court reviews the recommendation on the physician's progress report.