The Colorado Judicial Department has started a new Competency Diversion Program aimed at changing how courts handle individuals found or likely to be found incompetent to stand trial. The initiative follows the passage of House Bill 24-1355 and is being rolled out in phases across judicial districts statewide.
The program, developed with Bridges of Colorado, offers alternatives to the traditional competency process by diverting eligible individuals into community-based care instead of inpatient competency restoration. The phased launch began on April 1, 2025, in the 2nd, 17th, 18th, and 20th Judicial Districts. Additional districts will join on October 1, 2025, with full implementation expected by July 1, 2026.
To guide these efforts, the Colorado Supreme Court established the Judicial Mental Health Advisory Committee (JMHAC) in 2024. This committee includes judicial officers from around the state and aims to improve court responses to mental health challenges through collaboration and strategy development.
Colorado also received a federal Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program grant to evaluate both the Competency Court Dockets and the new diversion program. This evaluation will look at outcomes such as participant engagement, recidivism rates, court efficiency, and access to care. A subcommittee within JMHAC will oversee this evaluation in partnership with pilot courts starting in 2026.
Support for each district is provided by the State Court Administrator’s Office through its Criminal Justice Programs Unit. Resources include training materials, data tools, policy templates, and help from Competency Analysts who assist with processes between government agencies and local steering committees. A Data Information Management System funded by grants helps coordinators track program results like completion rates, available resources, recidivism statistics, and cost savings.
“This work is the result of years of collaboration, deep listening, and versatility,” said Gene Klivansky, Competency Programs Supervisor. “Colorado is taking bold, creative, and person-centered steps to change how we respond to mental health needs in our courts and communities.”
Further information about House Bill 24-1355 can be found at https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1355.
