San Antonio Mother Abandons Newborn: Mental Health Challenges Revealed
- A mother recently abandoned her newborn baby near the Salado Creek Greenway in San Antonio.
- Her court-appointed lawyer was aware of her mental condition and referred her for psychiatric help.
- In response to this need, the jail-based competency restoration program (JBCR) was established last year.
New Details on Mother Who Abandoned Newborn
A mother recently abandoned her newborn baby near the Salado Creek Greenway in San Antonio. Documents from Bexar County reveal that this mother has the mental capacity equal to a 10-year-old and has a history of mental health issues, including schizophrenia and depression, diagnosed in 2021.
Her court-appointed lawyer was aware of her mental condition and referred her for psychiatric help. Annie Cortez, a clinical administrator for the Center for Health Care Services, highlighted that individuals like this mother should be identified and kept out of Bexar County jail.
In response to this need, the jail-based competency restoration program (JBCR) was established last year. This program recently received $700,000 to expand its services to individuals on the maximum security list and women.
Monica Torres, the Adult Justice Program Clinical Director, noted that many individuals wait in jail for mental health treatment. The JBCR aims to help these individuals understand their charges and defend themselves adequately.
The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office stated they cannot comment on this specific case but affirmed that mental health evaluations and treatment referrals are sometimes necessary.
The mother’s baby was found alive and is now in state custody. Bexar County officials explained that the intake process includes mental health screenings. The Center for Health Care Services conducts evaluations, while the University Hospital offers ongoing treatment.
Since launching JBCR in 2023, more than 200 inmates have been screened. Of those, 33 entered the program, and 24 regained competency to stand trial, resulting in a 77% restoration rate. This program helps save taxpayer money and provides needed assistance to individuals like the mother in this case.