Leading Change: Improving Illinois Courts’ Response to Mental Illness and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders

Greetings and welcome to the Fall 2024 Edition of Behavioral Health, the Bench, and Beyond.

One year ago in October 2023, pursuant to direction from the Illinois Supreme Court, the Special Supreme Court Advisory Committee for Justice and Mental Health Planning (JMHP) announced its role as steward of the Illinois Courts' Leading Change: Improving Illinois Courts' Response to Mental Illness and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders initiative.

To meet this directive, JMHP reorganized to prioritize Mental Health Action Plan recommendations within the scope of its subcommittees, which include the following:

• Problem-Solving Courts Standards/Certification Subcommittee
• Education Subcommittee
• Legislative Subcommittee
• Fitness for Trial Subcommittee
• Civil Mental Health Subcommittee

This reorganization allowed the JMHP, made up of 29 judges, to work with key Administrative Office of Illinois Courts staff members to lead efforts in effectuating the Action Plan. As a result, notable progress was made to further several strategic initiatives including Courts as Conveners and Leaders, expanding training, technical assistance, and awareness activities, and obtaining external funding support to lead change. As you review this edition of Behavioral Health, the Bench, and Beyond, you are encouraged to consider opportunities for your local Bench, Bar, and Justice Partners to "Lead Change" in your communities.

Please visit the Leading Change: Improving Illinois Courts' Response to Mental Illness and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders Website for resources to guide your "Leading Change" efforts.