Inaugural Behavioral Health Committee Report and Recommendations
State courts across the country have increasingly recognized that behavioral health challenges—mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions—are major drivers of court involvement. Over the past decade, national judicial leaders have launched coordinated efforts to better understand and respond to these challenges.
In its inaugural term, Behavioral Health Committee members authored this report to provide Indiana’s judiciary with practical, court-focused recommendations for addressing behavioral health challenges. The purpose of this inaugural report is to equip judges and court stakeholders with a comprehensive resource for navigating issues at the intersection of behavioral health and the justice system. Its recommendations are rooted in relationship-building, collaboration, and coordinated efforts, principles that are essential for substantial progress in this area.
Companion Resources
Benchcard: Four Steps to Evaluate Treatment Needs
Four steps to glean insight into a litigant’s treatment needs.
Benchcard: Considerations Before Ordering a Competency Evaluation
An aid for judicial officers as they consider whether or not to order a competency evaluation. Find this resource on INcite under "Behavioral Health."
The Competency Process
A flowchart to help judges trace the competency process in a case. Find this resource on INcite under "Behavioral Health."
Engaging Service Providers
This guide supports courts in convening community partners to improve coordination and outcomes.
Grant Application Guide
Use this checklist to be ready for grant funding. Review approval steps, materials, staffing, and partnerships so you’re prepared when funding opportunities open up at the federal, state, or local level.
Competency Evaluator Directory
A list of providers who are qualified to provide competency evaluations and who have elected to be included. Find the directory and a memo on how to use it on INcite under "Behavioral Health."
Learning Modules from Addiction Policy Forum
To access five behavioral health learning modules, sign into the Indiana Judicial Branch Education Network, visit the catalog, and add the courses. The course titles are:
- Addressing Stigma Around Substance Use Disorder
- Fentanyl Facts & Overdose Risks
- Understanding Overdose Risk & Medication Efficacy (100 Level)
- Understanding Overdose Risk & Medication Efficacy (200 Level)
- Reentry Best Practices