Illinois Judicial Branch announces new resources for mental health awareness

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) has announced a collaboration between the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice's Disability Access Committee (Committee) and the AOIC Behavioral Health Administrator. Together, they have developed and released two resources designed to enhance the court system's response to mental health: the Desk Card: Responding to Mental Health at Court and the Bench Card: Mental Health Crisis & Judicial Response.

The release of these resources comes at a time when the intersection of the legal system and mental health is more prominent than ever. Mental illness is common and treatable, yet it poses unique challenges within a courtroom setting.

The newly released resources provide practical, evidence-based guidance to ensure dignity, safety, and due process:

• Responding to Mental Health at Court: Designed for all court personnel, this guide focuses on observing behavioral changes, using person-first language, and navigating resources like Court Disability Coordinators (CDCs).
• Bench Card: Mental Health Crisis & Judicial Response: Specifically for judges, this card outlines de-escalation techniques and legal frameworks for court-ordered temporary detention and examination when a person is in immediate crisis.

"Our goal is to reduce barriers and promote dignity for every court user," said August Hieber, Senior Program Manager with the Access to Justice Division of the AOIC who staffs the Committee. "By equipping our staff and judiciary with these tools, we can better navigate the complexities of mental health with empathy and professionalism".

For more information and resources, visit ilcourts.info/atj-resources.