Yung-Mi Lee, Director of Law and Appeals at Brooklyn Defender Services, testified before the New York State Senate Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders in support of the Treatment Court Expansion Act (TCEA). She highlighted Brooklyn’s success with problem-solving courts that provide alternatives to incarceration for people with substance use disorders and serious mental illness. Lee emphasized that passage of the TCEA is crucial to expanding access to treatment courts for those living with mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injury, ensuring more people can find support outside the criminal legal system.

"Brooklyn has some of the best problem-solving courts in the state. Our experience has shown that these courts can provide non-jail alternatives for those wrapped up in the criminal justice system because of substance use disorders and serious mental illness. In Brooklyn’s mental health court, we have seen how those charged with violent or serious felonies and diagnosed with serious mental illness can successfully engage in treatment. We have seen how many of our clients, once engaged with appropriate services, have a much better prognosis even after graduation. Still, New York State’s treatment court statute leaves many people who would benefit from diversion unable to access specialized court parts. Passage of the Treatment Court Expansion Act (TCEA) is critical to ensure this pathway out of the criminal legal system by expanding access and eligibility for treatment for those living with substance use disorder, serious mental illness, developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injury."

Read the full testimony here.