The Brazos County District Attorney's Office announced the launch of a new specialty court April 21, designed to connect people with mental illnesses in the criminal justice system to treatment instead of repeat jail stays.
About the program
The Rehabilitation Skills for Transformation, Adaptation, and Resiliency Court, or RESTART, began operating in April under 361st District Court Judge David Hilburn. The program focuses on those with serious mental illness, intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders who face low-level charges.
RESTART is led by the Brazos County DA's Office and brings together multiple local partners, according to a news release. Partners include Texas A&M University's Department of Clinical Psychology, the Brazos County Adult Community Supervision Department, the Public Defender's Office and Brazos Valley MHMR Authority.
What they're saying
Stephanie Younis, who helped develop the program and specializes in mental health courts, said the specialty courts aim to intervene before someone becomes trapped in repeated contact with the justice system.
"The criminal justice system is a point of last resort for individuals suffering from serious mental illness," she said. "Our goal is to provide a pathway where transformation is possible."
District Attorney Jarvis Parsons said the goal is to address underlying mental health challenges that often contribute to repeat arrests.
"Effective prosecution requires more than just a conviction," Parsons said in the news release.
He said the court was created to tackle the cycle that mental health issues can create in the jails while still prioritizing accountability.
How it works
Participants accepted into the program will undergo clinical evaluations and follow individualized treatment plans developed with support from Texas A&M clinicians. The DA's office said the approach combines court supervision with counseling, medication management and assistance in navigating social services.
Brazos Valley MHMR Authority will help with treatment coordination, including mental health services and benefits navigation, while court officials monitor compliance with treatment requirements.
Final takeaway
The launch of the RESTART Court reflects a growing trend across Texas toward problem-solving courts that focus on rehabilitation alongside traditional prosecution. According to the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, as of July 7, 2025, there were 33 registered mental health court programs in the state.
