Administration Judge David Sweat (Superior Court) with assistance from Judge Susan Tate (Probate Court) Contact 706-354-3995 706-613-3187 [Fax] Coordinator & Case Manager Tracy Tarbutton Online Documents Location Courthouse, Suite 331 325 E. Washington Street Mailing Address P.O. Box 1706 Athens, GA 30603 Attn: TAC

new! On Tuesday, June 29, 2010, Mental Health America (MHA) of Northeast Georgia recognized Tracy Tarbutton as Mental Health Worker of the Year. Tarbutton is the Court Coordinator for the Athens-Clarke County Treatment and Accountability Court (T.A.C.). MHA recognized her for the work she does assisting individuals who become involved in the criminal justice system due to their mental illness.

Read an article about the new Treatment & Accountability Court (T.A.C.) in the Athens Banner-Herald.

The Athens-Clarke County Treatment & Accountability Court (T.A.C.) will target individuals who are or could be charged with a felony or misdemeanor criminal offense stemming from their mental illness or mental disability. Many of these individuals have a co-occurring addictive disease. This program will foster collaboration between treatment providers, social service providers, the justice system and the community, promoting diversion and appropriate treatment.

The Treatment & Accountability Court is administered by the Superior Court under Judge David Sweat with assistance from Probate Court Judge Susan Tate.

Read a more detailed overview of the Treatment & Accountability Court with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

T.A.C. was featured in a USA Today article on alternative courts

Referral forms, overview documents, survey materials are available in the TAC section of our Online Documents area.

Eligibility Criteria

• I. Individuals with cases in Athens-Clarke County (ACC), including those:
  • a. Currently incarcerated in the ACC Jail
  • b. Charged with an offense in ACC
    
  • c. On probation in ACC
    
  • d. On parole in ACC
    
• II. Individuals with mental health issues, including those:
  • a. Who are “actively or acutely psychotic” (not drug induced) OR
    
  • b. Who are diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression OR
    
  • c. As determined by the Review Committee on a case-by case basis
• III. Individuals who are Athens-Clarke County residents
• IV. Individuals who voluntarily choose to participate
• V. Individuals living outside of Athens-Clarke County or under the jurisdiction of other counties (as determined by the Review Committee on a case-by-case basis)
• NOTE: Priority is given to incarcerated individuals who are chronically involved with the criminal justice system and have mental health issues.
• Mandatory Legal Exclusion Criteria:
  Murder, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Child Molestation, Aggravated Sexual Battery, Kidnapping, Rape, Voluntary Manslaughter, Child Molestation, Child Exploitation, Possession of Child Pornography, Sexual Battery of a Minor, Statutory Rape