County to host Competency Restoration, Assisted Outpatient Treatment Workshop
SAN MARCOS, Texas — The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health (JCMH) will present an educational workshop on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 1-4:15 p.m. focused on two key mental health programs: Jail-Based Competency Restoration (JBCR) and Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT).
Hosted at the Hays County Elections Center, located at 120 Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, TX 78666, this free event invites Hays County employees, public officials and community members to learn how these programs are helping individuals and communities across Texas.
Attendees will learn how JBCR and AOT function, the populations they serve and how these initiatives can be implemented locally to address serious mental health needs. They will also have the chance to ask questions and engage in dialogue with the HHSC and JCMH presenters.
An alternative to inpatient competency restoration, JBCR is designed for those with psychiatric disorders incompetent to stand trial to participate in competency restoration treatment while incarcerated. This presentation will take place from 1-2:30 p.m.
AOT is the practice of providing community-based mental health treatment under civil court commitment for adults with mental illness struggling with treatment adherence and/or cycles through repeat hospitalizations and criminal law. This presentation will take place from 2:45-4:15 p.m. by JCMH.
The workshop aims to foster collaboration between the criminal justice, behavioral health and public service sectors by offering a forum for learning, dialogue and connection with statewide experts.
This workshop is part of Hays County's ongoing efforts to promote community-based solutions for behavioral health and public safety.
To learn more about the Jail-Based Competency Restoration (JBCR) and Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) programs, visit https://www.hayscountytx.gov/assisted-outpatient-treatment-program. For more information about the upcoming workshop, contact Jennifer Putman at 512-757-9621 or jennifer.putman@hayscountytx.gov.







