TITLE: Recognizing the Travis County Mental Health Public Defender Office on the occasion of its 10th anniversary.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the Travis County Mental Health Public Defender Office on the occasion of its 10th anniversary.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Travis County Mental Health Public Defender Office on the occasion of its 10th anniversary; and WHEREAS, The Travis County Mental Health Public Defender Office was established in April of 2007 through a grant from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission; its mission is to serve the needs of persons with mental illness who have found themselves caught up in the criminal justice system; and WHEREAS, It is the nation's first stand-alone public defender's office designed to represent those with mental health issues; it is staffed by specially trained attorneys, social workers, case workers, and support staff dedicated to providing its clients with holistic legal representation and case management; and WHEREAS, The clients of this outstanding organization are those who are indigent, who have been charged with a misdemeanor crime, and who have received at least one of several priority population diagnoses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and schizoaffective disorder; and WHEREAS, The staff of the Travis County Mental Health Public Defender Office work tirelessly to advocate for their clients and to ensure that their basic and specialized needs are met and their human rights and dignity are preserved and upheld; it is truly fitting that this exceptional organization receive special recognition; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby commend the staff and management of the Travis County Mental Health Public Defender Office on their commitment to equal justice and extend to them best wishes for a memorable 10th anniversary celebration; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for this exemplary organization as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Watson President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 5, 2017.