This brief document provides highlights a discussion between judges and court personnel from rural communities on barriers, success, and innovations related to support strategies for people experiencing substance use disorder; it examines the ongoing challenges for rural judges and communities and discusses strategies that are currently working well in rural courtrooms.
This report summarizes and highlights aspects of a discussion between judges and court personnel from rural communities on the ongoing challenges they face regarding substance use disorder (SUD) among court-involved people, and identifies opportunities to improve support efforts for children and families impacted by SUD. The document provides a discussion of rural court successes and innovations, noting ways to build solutions based on the community through understanding the strength and weaknesses of the local community, which helps them effectively refer clients to the appropriate services and treatments. It emphasizes making the most of rural strengths and focusing on the positive incentives, outcomes, and activities, to achieve happier participants; and discusses how to prevent the removal of children from their family homes whenever possible. The document also highlights how judges can participate in formal and informal ongoing training. Rural court barriers and challenges discussed include treatment timing and access limitations, geography and transportation due to limited transport options, and lack of access to training for judges. The document also provides some links for further resources on how judges and court personnel can learn more about how they can help address SUD in rural communities.