Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month with Hon. Elizabeth A. Robb (Ret.)

This May, we're recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month. The following interview features Special Supreme Court Advisory Committee for Justice and Mental Health Planning Vice Chairperson Hon. Elizabeth A. Robb (Ret.), who shares her thoughts on her role, behavioral health in the courts, and more.

Please explain how you became involved with the Special Supreme Court Advisory Committee for Justice and Mental Health Planning. What does your role as Vice Chairperson entail?

I was honored to be appointed to the Committee in 2010, when it was first established. At the time, I was Chief Judge of the Eleventh Circuit and encouraged the formation of the Recovery (Mental Health) Court in McLean County. As Vice Chair, I serve as a liaison to the subcommittees, co-chair the Standards and Certification subcommittee, and work closely with the Chair, Justice Kathryn Zenoff and the AOIC Problem Solving Courts Manager and Behavioral Health Administrator to develop a yearly plan to meet the strategic goals set by the Supreme Court.

In what ways do behavioral/mental health and the courts intersect?

Judges become aware that many of the individuals who appear in courtrooms are dealing with traumatic experiences which have resulted in legal proceedings - whether as a victim of a crime, a defendant, those involved in domestic disputes, child, and elder abuse/neglect situations, or in civil mental health proceedings. It is incumbent upon judges and all people who are a part of the legal process to understand and recognize when a person has a behavioral health disorder so that the response is appropriate and referrals for services can be made.

Our Committee has undertaken training judges, attorneys, probation officers, law enforcement officers, and others in the legal system to identify and properly respond to individuals with behavioral health concerns.

Looking back at the Committee's efforts, what are some of its notable achievements?

Certainly, the adoption of Standards for all Problem-Solving Courts is notable. We were one of the first states to do so. We are working on our second revision to the standards so that they remain current as new research and laws are updated. We also established a certification process for the Problem-Solving Courts.

This past year, we worked with the Illinois Judicial Conference's Jury Experience Task Force to develop a brochure on Secondary Stress and Vicarious Trauma in Jurors for distribution to jurors throughout the state. Pattern Fitness to Stand Trial Jury Instructions have been drafted for consideration by the Committee on Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases.

Our Education subcommittee has committed to preparing quarterly memos on current topics for all problem-solving court teams.

What are the Committee's current priorities and what more do you hope to accomplish?

Completing a Uniform Order for Detention and Examination for use throughout the state.

Continue activities supporting Fitness to Stand Trial reforms.

Continue the collaboration with the Illinois Judicial College to develop training for judges and other stakeholders on topical issues relating to justice and behavioral health.

May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month. What does this mean to you?

In the past 20 years, judges have become leaders in bringing community members and organizations together to educate and develop resources for those who are justice-involved and have behavioral health concerns. Designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month helps to highlight the work of the courts and the strong working relationships that have been created to improve the lives of those in our communities.

Is there anything else you'd like to add on this topic?

I would like to recognize the leadership and vision of the Supreme Court and Administrative Office in expanding judicial resources and responses to behavioral health issues. Since I joined the Justice and Mental Health Committee, the Supreme Court has created the statewide Behavioral Health Administrator position, the Problem-Solving Courts Coordinator, and has actively pursued federal grants to enhance the effectiveness of problem-solving courts throughout the state. Illinois is a leader in this endeavor and without the active support and involvement of the Supreme Court, we would not be able to do the work being done.