The General Assembly recognizes that individuals with diagnosable mental illness may come into contact with the criminal justice system and be charged with felony or misdemeanor offenses. The General Assembly also recognizes that mental illness and substance use disorders co-occur in a substantial percentage of criminal defendants. There is a critical need for the criminal justice system to recognize individuals struggling with these issues, provide alternatives to incarceration to address mental illness, and provide appropriate access to treatment and support to such individuals. It is the intent of the General Assembly to create specialized mental health courts in accordance with evidence-based practices and Problem-Solving Court Standards for addressing substance use and co-occurring disorders with the necessary flexibility to meet the needs for an array of services and supports among participants in certified mental health court programs in the State of Illinois.