Dr. Roger Peters was recently appointed to the National Judicial Task Force to Examine State Courts' Response to Mental Illness. The Task Force was established by the Conference of Chief Justices and by the Conference of State Court Administrators, and continues the work of the National Center for State Courts' Mental Health Initiative, with funding support provided by the State Justice Institute. This multi-year project is focused on improving court and community responses to mental illness. Specific activities for the upcoming year include the following:
- Recommend system improvements related to civil commitment and assisted outpatient treatment laws, policies, and procedures
- Review court case management strategies involving persons who have serious mental illness
- Promote diversion and treatment at each point of prevention and intervention in the justice system
- Develop and recommend trauma-informed and trauma-responsive court and judicial practices
- Explore other civil, probate, and family court issues related to persons who have serious mental illness