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Introducing the Restorative Justice Division

Happy Summer! I hope that each of you is finding some time to get out and enjoy some time outdoors.

From time to time I like using this space to highlight the work being done in the courthouse. This month, I have asked Judges Bishop and Novak to discuss the Restorative Justice Division. Beginning in January, this new division began combining the Juvenile Division with Specialty Courts. The goal was to place added emphasis on the important work being done to enhance services to these client groups. Thanks to Presiding Judge Bishop and Judge Novak for providing this update:

In response to the needs of the public and to better serve those with specialized issues, we recently created the Restorative Justice Division, which includes Juvenile Court, as well as the Specialty Courts, Fitness-re-

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lated cases, and Expungement/Sealing Petitions. Traditionally, our Juvenile Court, which consists of Abuse/Neglect and Delinquency cases, was under the Family Court umbrella. As we took a closer look at evidence-based practices across treatment courts, we realized the components of Juvenile Court are very similar to those same key components utilized in our TIM (Therapeutic Intensive Monitoring) Courts. These courts all emphasize collaboration across different disciplines, whether it involves looking at what is in the best interest of a minor, or how to properly address criminal behavior attributed to addiction or mental illness.

Over two decades, we have seen treatment courts and other community corrections models work to reduce crime and substance use, lead people into recov-

BY CHIEF JUDGE MARK L. LEVITT

ery, and reunite families. We are excited to bring those achievements to our Juvenile participants. We envision combining resources across the division to assist families and expand mental health and community services with our court partners. Our hope is to intervene early, when a parent enters a specialty court or when a minor is found truant or with a curfew violation, and to take a holistic approach to addressing any other issues the family may be facing, including substance use, housing, or other needs. Bringing all of these courts together will allow us to cross-train judges, probation officers, and attorneys, while providing a more comprehensive and thoughtful approach to problem solving for our court participants.

The Specialty Courts include Mental Health Court, Drug Court, and Veterans Court (VTAC). These