The Definition of Insanity

The Miami-Dade Criminal Mental Health Project (CMHP) comes to life in this documentary, following a team of dedicated public servants working through the courts to steer people with mental illness — as their court cases hang in the balance — on a path from incarceration to recovery.

Shocked by how people with mental illness were treated in his county’s jails, a judge sets out to work with a team of dedicated public servants to help people with mental illness navigate the sometimes cruel system, and live lives full of possibilities.

Peer counselor Justin Volpe describes his own experience of facing the mental health system while also serving time in the Dade County Jail 11 years ago. He explains why the very broken system is difficult to navigate, and why many who suffer from mental illness struggle to get out.

Introduction to Jail Diversion Program participant Charlie Gonzalez, whose case serves as an example of how far the program has come in terms of allowing felony offenses. The explanation that the Criminal Mental Health Project is a collaborative criminal justice system in which all sides work together, including members of the community.

The latest court date for Jail Diversion Program participant Trevor Dolan. In a recent drug test, he tested positive for alcohol, which is a violation of the rules of the program. The judge reminds him that he is jeopardizing his place in the program and the reality of what is at stake should he continue down this path of relapse.

Lawyer Alejandro Aristizábal and Judge Nushin Sayfie from the Miami-Dade Criminal Mental Health Project discuss the status of a new participant in the Jail Diversion Program, Trevor Dolan, and describe the pioneering nature of this program working in the complex intersection of law enforcement and the mental health system.

Habsi Kaba, Director of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) in Miami-Dade County, leads officers in a series of trainings to provide them with knowledge, tools, and resources to more effectively assess situations and interact with individuals who suffer from mental illnesses while on the job in order to better ensure their safety.

Peer Counselor Justin Velope leads a role-playing exercise with Jail Diversion Program participants to help encourage and empower them to change their previous behaviors which led to their incarceration.