SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts announced two new resources Friday designed to enhance the court system’s response to mental health.
The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice’s Disability Access Committee and the AOIC Behavioral Health Administrator collaborated to develop and release the the Desk Card: Responding to Mental Health at Court and the Bench Card: Mental Health Crisis & Judicial Response. According to the AOIC, the resources provide practical, evidence-based guidance to ensure dignity, safety and due process.
The desk card is designed for all court personnel while the bench card is designed specifically for judges. The desk card focuses on observing behavioral changes, using person-first language and navigating resources such as Court Disability Coordinators, while the bench card outlines de-escalation techniques and legal frameworks for court-ordered temporary detention and examination when a person is in immediate crisis.
“The release of these resources comes at a time when the intersection of the legal system and mental health is more prominent than ever,” the AOIC wrote in a press release. “Mental illness is common and treatable, yet it poses unique challenges within a courtroom setting.”
“Our goal is to reduce barriers and promote dignity for every court user,” said August Hieber, senior program manager with the Access to Justice Division of the AOIC. “By equipping our staff and judiciary with these tools, we can better navigate the complexities of mental health with empathy and professionalism.”
For more information and resources, click here. For more information on the desk or bench cards or the Disability Access Committee, email Ahieber@IllinoisCourts.gov.
The desk and bench cards can be found below: