This brief summarizes the themes and considerations for next steps that emerged from a gathering of 50 judges from 22 states convened by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) with its National Training and Technical Assistance Center (NTTAC).
In May 2024, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) with its National Training and Technical Assistance Center (NTTAC) convened more than 50 judges from 22 states for several days of facilitated dialogue. Several concrete themes and considerations for the next steps emerged from the gathering, including what individual judges can do, how state judicial leaders can better support this work, and the role of national organizations and funders. Topics covered included the role of judges, the role of the chief justice and the state administrative office of the court, and the role of national court support organizations and funders. The research specifically highlights the powerful role judges can play in helping people address their underlying behavioral health needs and strengthen their ability to avoid further system-involvement.