Video conferencing has transformed the way the Oakland County Probate Court communicates in mental health hearings.
Previously, patients housed at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry in Ann Arbor had to be transported by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office to the Probate Court in Pontiac for mental health treatment commitment hearings.
Under a pilot program, the Probate Court launched its first video conference mental health docket in January of this year.
Now patients placed at the Forensic Center attend their commitment hearings via teleconference communication.
Working together with the county’s Information Technology Department through its OakVideo technology, the Oakland County Sheriff ‘s Office, and the Center for Forensic Psychiatry (CFP), the Probate Court was able to utilize existing technology to improve services.
The technology was utilized in January by Probate Court Judge Elizabeth Pezzetti, who handles the new mental health video docket twice a month in addition to her probate and family division docket.
For the hearing, the patient, defense attorney, and testifying physician are in a courtroom at the Forensic Center that is equipped with cameras and video equipment.
In the Oakland County probate courtroom are the judge, prosecuting attorney or corporation counsel, and any additional witnesses.
Parties at each end of the conference call can fully see and hear the individuals at the other end.
Hearings for the patients can include petitions for involuntary commitment, petitions for discharge, and petitions for continuing treatment of the individual.
On those occasions where a respondent requests a jury trial, he or she is transported to the courthouse for the trial.
The development and implementation of efficient and good quality video conferencing has allowed the court to use the technology as a way to help reduce costs associated with transporting and housing patients for court.
“Importantly, the new system is less traumatic for the patients and provides greater security,” Pezzetti said. “Video conferencing also has the benefit of reducing transportation expenses and time away from patients for doctors who otherwise would have to travel to Pontiac to testify.”
Forensic Center director Dr. Carol E. Holden said she was “pleased to have the Oakland County Probate Court join the video court process.
“It’s now one of several counties conducting hearings with us through video technology,” she said. “This is a productive partnership that results in increased efficiency for both the court and for CFP; and it maximizes patient safety and public safety by minimizing the transport of individuals who may be a danger to themselves or others.”
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