Albany County Executive Dan McCoy is calling it a game-changer to the court system as he announces the first ever mental health court. It will be a part of Albany City Court and will be for low-level non-violent offenders with mental health issues.

McCoy says this will help divert these defendants into needed treatment programs, halfway houses, and other facilities where they can get necessary support and treatment.

All involved say this is a creative and collaborative approach to sentencing that's working and helping to identify someone who needs help.

"Hey, there may be an issue here, get them linked up to a clinical social worker to make a determination. Get the parties together including the DA, the defence counsel, and the judge, and try to offer this individual an alternative. We have a lot to be proud of that we've moved for those discussions from whether or not an individual knows the proceedings, to let's get them the help that they need," said Deputy Albany County Executive Dan Lynch.

There are 31 mental health courts in New York State.