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Current as of January 01, 2023 | Updated by FindLaw Staff
Subdivision 1. Definition. As used in this section, “board” means the State Competency Restoration Board established in section 611.56.
Subd. 2. Availability of forensic navigator services. The board must provide or contract for enough forensic navigator services to meet the needs of adult defendants in each judicial district who are found incompetent to proceed.
Subd. 3. Duties. (a) Forensic navigators shall be impartial in all legal matters relating to the criminal case. Nothing shall be construed to permit the forensic navigator to provide legal counsel as a representative of the court, prosecutor, or defense counsel. Forensic navigators shall be required to report compliance and noncompliance with pretrial supervision and any orders of the court.
(b) Forensic navigators shall provide services to assist defendants with mental illnesses and cognitive impairments. Services may include, but are not limited to:
(1) developing bridge plans;
(2) assisting defendants in participating in court-ordered examinations and hearings;
(3) coordinating timely placement in court-ordered competency restoration programs;
(4) providing competency restoration education;
(5) reporting to the court on the progress of defendants found incompetent to stand trial;
(6) providing coordinating services to help defendants access needed mental health, medical, housing, financial, social, transportation, precharge and pretrial diversion, and other necessary services provided by other programs and community service providers;
(7) communicating with and offering supportive resources to defendants and family members of defendants; and
(8) providing consultation and education to court officials on emerging issues and innovations in serving defendants with mental illnesses in the court system.
(c) If a defendant's charges are dismissed, the appointed forensic navigator may continue assertive outreach with the individual for up to 90 days to assist in attaining stability in the community.
Subd. 4. Bridge plans. (a) The forensic navigator must prepare bridge plans with the defendant and submit them to the court. Bridge plans must be submitted before the time the court makes a competency finding pursuant to section 611.45. The bridge plan must include:
(1) a confirmed housing address the defendant will use upon release, including but not limited to emergency shelters;
(2) if possible, the dates, times, locations, and contact information for any appointments made to further coordinate support and assistance for the defendant in the community, including but not limited to mental health and substance use disorder treatment, or a list of referrals to services; and
(3) any other referrals, resources, or recommendations the forensic navigator or court deems necessary.
(b) Bridge plans and any supporting records or other data submitted with those plans are not accessible to the public.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Minnesota Statutes Crimes; Expungement; Victims (Ch. 609-624) § 611.55. Forensic navigator services - last updated January 01, 2023 | https://codes.findlaw.com/mn/crimes-expungement-victims-ch-609-624/mn-st-sect-611-55/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.
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