Outpatient Competency Restoration (OCR)

Our Outpatient Competency Restoration Program, OCR, is a specialized adult program dedicated to assisting individuals with mental illness in the criminal justice system. Individuals who are deemed incompetent to stand trial are directed towards mental health treatment. This targeted intervention is not accessible to the general public; rather, individuals are exclusively referred through the justice system. Individuals are provided treatment and education so they have a rational and factual understanding of the legal proceedings they will encounter.

In the OCR program, adults grappling with serious mental health concerns work with dedicated staff members to evaluate and treat any symptoms.This strategic approach addresses the root issues that may have led to focusing on guiding these individuals towards a stable life.

Collaborating closely with the judicial system, the team advocates for optimal outcomes for individuals undergoing treatment.

The overarching goals of the OCR program include 

  1. Enhancing cognitive functioning

  2. Fostering a comprehensive understanding of the legal process (including pleas, verdicts, sentences, and the roles of courtroom members)

  3. Ensuring individuals engage in a suitable level of treatment to maintain stability over their lifetime. 

This program serves as a vital step towards preventing recidivism, promoting individual well-being, and fostering a safer, more stable community.