September 21, 2023
Courts that promote community engagement increase public trust. In 2021 Trending Topics addressed the importance of bringing communities closer to courts and using outreach mechanisms and strategies to mitigate biases.
Courts, like other government entities, should advertise their functions and services, as many do not know all the community services they provide. Examples include tutoring, counseling, healthcare, substance abuse treatment, and job training.
During National Judicial Outreach Week (NJOW) 2023, Hawai’i’s judges met with students “to discuss their roles as judges, the rule of law, and the work courts do to maintain open and transparent government, provide a fair and impartial system of justice, and protect the fundamental legal rights of all citizens.” Judges visit schools, colleges, and universities to teach students about the different types of judges and to respond to student questions.
Social media is an effective way for state courts to engage and inform citizens. For example, the criminal county clerk of Nashville and Davidson counties launched a campaign on social media to make residents aware of the services they provide. They want citizens to be aware that they can get criminal charges removed from public records and even driver’s licenses reinstated.
Partnership with other service agencies is key to success in helping communities. Clark County Family Court (Nevada) joined other agencies on a pilot program, called the Harbor. Under Clark County’s Juvenile Justice Services Department, the Harbor offers juveniles tutoring, mentoring, drug education, conflict resolution, healthcare, anger control, social skills training, job skills development, counseling sessions, and cognitive behavioral programming. For these services, they partner with community providers to expand the services to rural and underserved areas of Las Vegas Valley.
Saratoga Springs, New York created the Community Outreach Court. Anyone charged with a nonviolent offense and lacking a stable residence is referred to a coordinator of the RISE Housing and Support Services program after arraignment. They are connected to the social services needed including transportation to court appearances, treatment appointments, and psychological evaluations. Reducing homelessness among participants has helped reduce failures to appear at court proceedings and improved the lives of the participants.
Is your court effectively reaching out to communities? Share your creative ways with us. Contact Knowledge@ncsc.org or call 800-616-6164. Follow the National Center for State Courts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.