For anyone who becomes involved in the criminal legal system, appearances in court can be daunting, and this can be especially true for people in need of behavioral health, linguistic, or other services or essential assistance. Court navigator programs can play a crucial role in ensuring individuals receive the support they need. In a recent episode of Policy Research’s Data Points podcast, Isolynn Massey, BA, Brandon Morrissey, PhD, and Samantha Zottola, PhD, explore their publication, A National Compendium of Court Navigation Programs, shedding light on how these programs assist people making their way through the court system. This blog highlights key takeaways from the episode, offering actionable insights for professionals looking to understand or implement these vital programs.
Q: What is a court navigator, and how do they assist individuals involved in the legal system?
A: A court navigator is a position that works at various points within the justice system, working collaboratively with courts, jails, and community organizations. The role is designed to assist people as they move through the court process. They can provide basic information on case statuses, next steps in legal processes, and required forms. Importantly, they are not lawyers and do not provide legal services but can connect individuals to community-based services, including behavioral health and housing assistance.
Q: How did the idea of court navigator programs originate and develop?
A: Court navigator programs have developed locally across the United States to address specific community needs. They originated from brainstorming sessions involving community partners, such as courts, public health departments, and mental health organizations, to solve recurring problems. For example, the Recovery Support Navigator in Massachusetts emerged from a Sequential Intercept Model mapping session.
Q: How do court navigator programs collaborate with court personnel and community services?
A: Court navigators collaborate with court personnel through outreach and referrals. They make themselves known to various organizations, ensuring awareness about the court navigator role. When court personnel recognize that an individual within the courthouse needs services, they will often refer that person to the navigator. Navigators also provide physical navigation, directing people to specific services or other locations within the courthouse.
Q: Can you share some examples of court navigator programs highlighted in the compendium?
A: The compendium features 18 programs across 21 states, including statewide programs in Tennessee and others in both urban and rural settings. For example, the Tennessee program operates in all 95 counties. In North Carolina, a county-specific program in Buncombe County focuses on connecting people to bilingual services and particular community resources.
Q: What are some common components across different court navigator programs?
A: Despite the variations, common components include the flexibility navigators have to adjust their workflow, extensive networking to know court and community resources, and a focus on answering individuals’ questions without providing legal advice. Navigators ensure that individuals get their questions answered and are connected to necessary resources.
Q: How do court navigators help address the challenges faced by people navigating the court system?
A: Court navigators reduce the intimidation and confusion individuals may face in courthouses by providing directions, guidance, and administrative support, such as setting up appointments with service providers. They offer a friendly face and alleviate the stress of navigating the legal system.
Q: How do court navigators benefit the courts themselves?
A: Court navigators improve traffic flow within courthouses, increase awareness of courthouse resources, and alleviate the workload of other court personnel by handling general inquiries and directing individuals to appropriate services. They also help connect people to behavioral health resources, supporting the courts’ larger goals of serving as a connection point to community resources.
Q: What insights have been gained from site visits to court navigator programs?
A: The enthusiasm and dedication of navigators are key to successful navigator-client relationships. Navigators serve as extensive information hubs and bridge gaps between services and clients, making connections that other organizations may struggle with. Their role is highly valued by both clients and court personnel.
Q: What makes the court navigator role unique and beneficial?
A: The court navigator role is uniquely tailored to meet the specific needs of each county or jurisdiction. By focusing on human-centered design, navigators ensure individuals in the court process receive the necessary support, making the legal system more accessible and less intimidating.
For more in-depth information and practical tools, listen to the full podcast below.
This blog post was developed with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence.