AI software gives boost to diversion programs

If you're familiar with NCSC, you know that we're constantly looking for innovative ways to ensure access to justice. 

Last year, the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators adopted a resolution urging us to showcase effective, scalable models for civil diversion programs that create alternate pathways for litigants to resolve disputes. These programs would be grounded in a set of guiding principles, which encourage collaboration with other civil justice system partners.  

Partnerships formed

Inspired by that resolution, we formed a partnership with the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and the Court of Common Pleas in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The goal? To have AAA develop software to help further expand a burgeoning diversion program the court had established to address credit card debt cases.

A review of filings from the first half of 2024 showed that the Lancaster County court diversion program reduced the number of cases on the docket by more than half — results that convinced us this was a ready market for testing AAA's software.

"NCSC has been extremely supportive of the Lancaster County Court's vital Credit Card Diversion Program.  The AI App developed by AAA will save the Court a great deal of time and resources."

– Shelley Schenk, Diversion Program Coordinator & Staff Attorney, Lancaster County Court of Commons Pleas

Software can make an impact where diversion program exists

The purpose of the software — coined the Court Diversion Eligibility Screener — Built by AAA —  is to help increase access to justice, preserve judicial resources, and streamline civil caseload management. The eligibility screener applies AI to help court staff evaluate and triage cases while also automating the administration and management of those that are routed for diversion. AAA and NCSC are now partnering to make the eligibility screener software available for use by other courts.

Software such as this will be most impactful in jurisdictions where court-based civil diversion programs are already in place (or are ready to be launched) and sound case flow management practices exist and are ready for automation. With staff support and oversight, successful diversion programs can be optimized to divert cases more efficiently while reducing the burden on court staff and improving the litigant experience.

About the Court Diversion Eligibility Screener —  Built by AAA

The Court Diversion Eligibility Screener —  Built by AAA — is a browser-based platform that increases efficiency of existing high-volume court diversion programs. It streamlines the administration of consumer debt and other types of cases by eliminating repetitive tasks through AI-powered automation, document management, and conciliation scheduling. By eliminating repetitive tasks, the eligibility screener can increase settlement rates, further reduce docket burden, and increase access to justice. Following successful pilot implementation, a limited number of courts will be selected for partnership. For a deeper dive, review the quick reference guide and case study. Contact our team to explore the opportunity to deploy the eligibility screener in your court.