The Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts announced on June 1 a collaboration with the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice’s Disability Access Committee and the AOIC Behavioral Health Administrator to develop new resources aimed at improving mental health awareness in the state court system.
The initiative, launched during Mental Health Awareness Month, includes two new guides: the Desk Card: Responding to Mental Health at Court and the Bench Card: Mental Health Crisis & Judicial Response. These materials are intended to help court staff and judges better address situations involving individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
According to information provided by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, these resources offer practical guidance based on evidence. The Desk Card is designed for all court personnel, focusing on recognizing behavioral changes, using person-first language, and utilizing support such as Court Disability Coordinators. The Bench Card is specifically tailored for judges and provides de-escalation techniques as well as outlines legal procedures related to temporary detention or examination when an individual is in immediate crisis.
“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 who staffs the Committee. “By equipping our staff and judiciary with these tools, we can better navigate the complexities of mental health with empathy and professionalism.”
For additional context, the Illinois Bar Association serves more than 28,000 members statewide by providing continuing legal education, practice management resources, professional networking opportunities, promoting diversity initiatives, and recognizing excellence through awards for pro bono service and diversity leadership. It operates under an elected president along with a Board of Governors and Assembly; its administrative functions are based at the Illinois Bar Center.
Further information about these new mental health resources can be found at ilcourts.info/atj-resources or by contacting August Hieber at Ahieber@IllinoisCourts.gov.
