Shows
Reimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthPhiladelphia's Post-Trial Support Program with Patrick Martin and Dr. Michele PoleCONTENT WARNING: In this discussion about how to address juror trauma, a graphic case is given as an example involving late term abortions performed by a physician and the resulting murder trial, including a verbal description of crime scene photographs from time stamp 5:55 to 7:00. Listener discretion is advised.In this episode, we are joined by Patrick Martin, the Philadelphia Jury Commissioner, and Dr. Michele Pole, West Chester University’s Mental Health Services Director. They tell us about the Post-Trial Support Program, a partnership between the Philadelphia court system and West Chester University, which offers free counseling to ju...
2026-02-0636 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthWorkplace Wellness with Jessica ChevrierIn this special New Year's episode, we are joined by Jessica Chevrier, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate at The Relationship Center of El Paso. She talks about workplace wellness, and how we can prevent systemic issues like burnout with practical, scalable interventions that promote sustainable wellbeing.If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the...
2026-01-0236 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthThe Power of Peers with Sommer Alexander and Angie TylerIn this episode, we are joined by Sommer Alexander, a Justice-Involved Reentry Peer Support Specialist with Texas Harm Reduction Alliance, and Angie Tyler, a Certified Family Partner with Integral Care. They tell us about the crucial role peers play in the justice system and how they bring a unique perspective to cases.If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the vie...
2025-12-0539 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthThe Importance of Family Partners with Jerri ClarkIn this episode, we are joined by Jerri Clark, the Resource and Advocacy Manager at Treatment Advocacy Center (TAC). She highlights the essential role family care partners play when someone with a severe mental illness encounters the legal system. Clark dedicates her work to the memory of her son, Calvin, who died from suicide at 23 after a four-year struggle with a severe mental illness that was poorly cared for within a system full of barriers. Helpful resources:Understanding SMI Resource One Pager - Treatment Advocacy CenterCriminal Legal Resource One Pager - Treatment Advocacy CenterHIPAA Resource One...
2025-11-0737 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthLaw Enforcement Navigation with Eric Epley and Kellie BurnamIn this episode, we are joined by Eric Epley, the Executive Director & CEO of the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council (STRAC) and Kellie Burnam, STRAC's Southwest Texas Crisis Collaborative Division Director. They tell us about the Law Enforcement Navigation program, which navigates patients who are placed into emergency detention by law enforcement for their acute psychiatric needs and are medically stable to the appropriate psychiatric facility versus area emergency departments.If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."
2025-10-0342 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthYouth Crisis Outreach Team (YCOT) with Kelli Guerrero and Jessica JimenezIn this episode, we are joined by two guests from the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network. Kelli Guerrero is the Director of Child and Adolescent Crisis Programming, and Jessica Jimenez is the Youth Crisis Outreach Team (YCOT) Program Manager. They tell us about the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network's YCOT, which provides 24/7 trauma-informed assessments and evaluations in the community, addressing immediate crisis intervention needs for children and families.If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."
2025-09-0532 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthOutpatient Competency Restoration (OCR) with Jonathan LemuelIn this episode, we are joined by Jonathan Lemuel, the Director of Forensic Services at Bluebonnet Trails Community Services. He tells us about BBTCS's Outpatient Competency Restoration program, which helps defendants who are found incompetent to stand trial achieve the ability to participate in their own defense in a community-based setting.If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thou...
2025-08-0137 min
Austin Bar Association Podcast NetworkGetting to Know Kristi Taylor & the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental HealthIn the next episode of Stop the Stigma, we sit down with Kristi Taylor, executive director of the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health (JCMH). Formed by a joint order of the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in 2018, the commission's mission is to develop, implement, and coordinate policies to improve courts' interactions with individuals with mental health needs, substance use disorders, and intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD).There are 30 adult mental health courts and nine juvenile mental health courts in Texas: https://www.texasjcmh.gov/programs-and-initiatives/mental-health-courts/Please check out these important tools and resources...
2025-07-2157 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthAssisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Court with Judge Oscar KazenIn this episode, we are joined by Hon. Oscar Kazen, the Presiding Judge of Bexar County Probate Court 1. He tells us about his AOT Court, which provides outpatient treatment under civil court order to individuals with severe mental illness. Judge Kazen's court was the first fully operational civil AOT court in Texas.AOT resources mentioned in this episode can be found on the JCMH website under "Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT)". If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining J...
2025-07-0439 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthBell County Autism Intervention Team (BAIT) with Anne and Tres JacksonIn this episode, we are joined by Anne Jackson, a Bell County prosecutor and founding member of the Bell County Autism Intervention Team, and Tres Jackson, Anne's adult son with autism and an Autism Ambassador. They tell us the Bell County Autism Intervention Team (BAIT), a group made up of family members, professionals, and individuals on the Autism Spectrum (ASD) themselves who work to train first responders to recognize the signs of ASD, empower families to implement an appropriate response, and equip communities with therapeutic autism specific resources.If you have an innovation in mental health that y...
2025-06-0634 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthAlways Parenting with Dr. Connie AlmeidaIn this episode, we are joined by Dr. Connie Almeida, the Director of the Fort Bend County Behavioral Health Services Department. She tells us about Always Parenting, a second chance program that assists individuals currently incarcerated (or have been in the last 6 months) at the Fort Bend County Jail and have minor children.If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent th...
2025-05-0232 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthThe Managed Assigned Counsel model with Jim Bethke and Katy Jo MuncieIn this episode, we are joined by Jim Bethke, Executive Director of the Bexar Counsel Managed Assigned Counsel Office, and Katy Jo Muncie, Deputy Director and Director of Defense Services and Outreach at the Capital Area Private Defender Service in Travis County. They tell us about the Managed Assigned Counsel model, which is the assignment of qualified attorneys to represent criminally-accused indigent people.If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "...
2025-04-1154 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthCourt Liaison Pilot Program with Denton and Grayson CountiesIn this episode, we are joined by a record-breaking five guests! Our guests include Grayson County Court Liaison Elizabeth Groves, Judge James Henderson, and Judge Larry Phillips, and Denton County Court Liaison Alessia Dal Monte and Judge Chance Oliver. They tell us about the JCMH-grant funded Court Liaison Pilot Program. The goal of the pilot is to minimize waitlist times by creating a court staff position focused on developing innovative pathways and quicker options to prevent decompensation of individuals awaiting restoration or other intervention to increase the judiciary’s connection to diversionary and treatment resources.0:00 - 37:17 Grayson Co...
2025-03-071h 13Reimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthChief SIM Officer with Keisha MorrisIn this episode, we are joined by Keisha Morris, the Chief SIM Officer at the Andrews Center Behavioral Healthcare System. She tells us about her unique position, which was created to ensure Smith County followed up on the priorities identified by stakeholders during the JCMH-led SIM Mapping in 2022.
If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."
*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of...
2025-02-0729 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthJail -Based Competency Restoration with Capt. Sarah Bigham and Amberlee ConleyIn this episode, we are joined by Capt. Sarah Bigham, the Chief of Staff for the Grayson County Sheriff's Office, and Amberlee Conley, the Chief Operations Officer at Texoma Community Center. They tell us about the implementation of jail-based competency restoration program in Grayson County, which provides competency restoration services in a designated space in a jail separate from general population.
If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."
*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are...
2025-01-1736 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthDowntown Austin Community Court with Yvonne Mboss and Jennifer SowinskiIn this episode, we are joined by Yvonne Mboss, a Clinical Case Manager Supervisor, and Jennifer Sowinski, a Clinical Operations Manager, of the Downtown Austin Community Court. They tell us about DACC, a problem-solving court established in 1999, and its different programs. The mission of DACC is to empower people to thrive by providing impartial justice and compassionate community-based services.
If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."
*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s...
2024-12-0635 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthTexas Law Enforcement Peer Network with Dustin SchellengerCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussion suicide and mentions child sexual assault. Some listeners may want to skip this episode and catch up with us for the next one.
In this episode, we are joined by Dustin Schellenger, the State Director for the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network. He tells us about the TLEPN, a state-wide program designed to give every Texas Law Enforcement Officer access to specially trained peers to address stressors, trauma, fatigue and other needs to combat workforce burnout and end Police suicide and self-harm.
Download the TLEPN App HERE
Blue Chip Mental...
2024-11-0130 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthSan Antonio Mobile Mental Wellness Collaborative (SAMMWC)In this episode, we are joined by Melissa True (Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute), Jessica Knudsen (Clarity Child Guidance Center), and Brian Jaklich (Harlandale ISD). They tell us about the San Antonio Mobile Mental Wellness Collaborative, an upstream collaboration of nonprofits focusing on behavioral health prevention so public schools do not have to focus fully on intervention.
If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."
*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own an...
2024-10-0430 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthBlanco County Community Paramedic Program with Wesley PattonIn this episode, we are joined by Wesley Patton, the Blanco County Emergency Services Department Community Paramedic Captain. He tells us about the Community Paramedic Program, a unique program in Blanco County that dispatches paramedics to deescalate mental health crisis calls when necessary.
If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."
*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the JCMH, the Supreme Co...
2024-09-1323 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Psychiatry Residency Program with Daniela Chisolm and Dr. Patricia OrtizIn this episode, we are joined by Daniela Chisolm, an Assistant El Paso County Attorney & Senior Trial Attorney in the Mental Health Litigation Unit, and Dr. Patricia Ortiz, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso. This innovative program is a collaboration between TTUHSC El Paso and the El Paso County Attorney's Office
that embeds forensic psychiatry residents in the justice system with the goal of improving access to mental health care and decreasing incarceration rates, leading to better overall outcomes for justice-involved individuals with mental illness.
2024-08-0939 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthPanhandle Regional Problem Solving Court with Judge Matt Hand and Josh CrawfordIn this episode, we are joined by Judge Matt Hand, the Potter County Court #2 Presiding Judge, and Josh Crawford, the Director of Panhandle Regional Specialty Courts. The Panhandle Regional Problem Solving Court is a unique mental health court because it can pull participants from more than 20 counties in Texas.
If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."
*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and op...
2024-07-0537 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthJustice Forward with Devon AndersonIn this episode, we are joined by Devon Anderson,
the Justice Forward President and CEO. Justice Forward is a nonprofit that funds essential programs for individuals in the Specialty Courts of Harris, Galveston, and Fort Bend Counties to help them become independent and productive members of our community.
If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."
*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of...
2024-06-0730 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthTarrant County Public Safety Employees Treatment Court with Hon. Chuck Vanover, Courtney Young, & Sydney HowardIn this episode, we are joined by Judge of Tarrant County Criminal Court 8 Hon. Chuck Vanover, Program Manager Courtney Young, and Caser Manager Sydney Howard. They tell us about the Tarrant County Public Safety Employees Treatment Court. The program is designed to divert eligible public safety employees out of the traditional criminal justice process and into appropriate rehabilitative alternatives.
If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."
*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s...
2024-05-0339 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthTravis County Transformation Project with José GarzaIn this episode, we are joined by Travis County District Attorney José Garza. He tells us about the Travis County Transformation Project, a pre-arrest, community-based pilot program for 15 to 16-year-olds involved with family violence in the home.
In this episode, our guests talk about a video shown to families before they decide to join the program. You can view it here.
If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."
*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions e...
2024-04-0835 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthLibraries for Health with Dr. Sandra Smith and Abena AsanteIn this episode, we are joined by JCMH Collaborative Councilmember Dr. Sandra Smith, the Vice President of Via Hope, and Abena Asante, a Senior Program Officer at St. David's Foundation. They tell us about the Libraries for Health initiative. This program places peer support specialists in public libraries in eight different Central Texas communities.
In this episode, our guests talk about a "Storybook" which you can find here.
If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with...
2024-03-1935 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthRural Diversion with Sergeant Shawn EdwardsIn this episode, we are joined by JCMH Collaborative Councilmember Sergeant Shawn Edwards, the lead of the Burleson County Sheriff's Office Crisis Intervention Team. He tells us about the county's diversion program and his experience starting the program in a rural community.
If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."
*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent th...
2024-02-0223 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthDiversion Center with Denise Oncken and Wayne YoungIn this episode, we are joined by two JCMH Commissioners: Denise Oncken, the Mental Health Bureau Chief at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, and Wayne Young, the Chief Executive Officer of The Harris Center for mental Health and IDD. They introduce us to the Harris County Diversion Center, which just celebrated its 5th year.
If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."
*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do n...
2024-01-1243 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthPretrial Intervention with Lee PiersonIn this episode, we are joined by Lee Pierson, JCMH Commissioner and Dallas County District Attorney’s Office Mental Health Division Chief. He introduces us to the Pretrial Intervention Program in Dallas County, a series of conditions a defendant with a mental health concern can meet to ultimately have their case dismissed.
If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."
*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own...
2023-12-0146 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthThe Sentencing Foundation with Judge Stephanie SawyerIn this episode, we are joined by Hon. Stephanie Sawyer, a Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas Judge and the Founder and Board Chair of The Sentencing Foundation. Since 2018, Judge Sawyer has been at the forefront of innovation by utilizing a program she developed: Resource-Based Sentencing & Supervision. Her program is meant to reduce mass incarceration and recidivism by providing re-entry resources to defendants and creating a system of accountability.
If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining...
2023-11-0743 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthTrauma-Informed Courtroom with Judge Renee Rodriguez-BetancourtIn this episode, we are joined by Judge Renee Rodriguez-Betancourt, the 449th District Court Judge in Hidalgo County. She presides over juvenile cases and provides youth with an opportunity for rehabilitation while simultaneously ensuring the general public’s safety. Judge Rodriguez-Betancourt introduces us to her newly decorated trauma-informed courtroom, which is designed to create a more physically welcoming environment for youth as well as prioritize the manner in which they are spoken to.
See photos of the courtroom here.
If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, em...
2023-10-0534 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthMultisystemic Therapy (MST) with Bailey HaglerIn this episode, we are joined by Bailey Hagler, the Community Based Mental Health Director for StarCare Lubbock. She introduces us to Multisystem Therapy (MST), an intense, family-focused and community-based treatment program with the goal of rehabilitating juvenile offenders.
If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."
*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the JCMH, th...
2023-09-0834 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthPeer Navigator Project with Anthony GravesIn this episode, we are joined by Anthony Graves, the Director of Community Outreach at the Harris County Public Defender's Office. He introduces us to the Peer Navigator Project, which he started on his own before bringing the program to Harris County. Graves tells the story of his wrongful conviction and the 18 years he spent incarcerated. He is now using that experience to connect people who are currently incarcerated with peers.
Anthony's book: Infinite Hope: How Wrongful Conviction, Solitary Confinement, and 12 Years on Death Row Failed to Kill My Soul
If you have an innovation...
2023-07-2829 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthCIRT and CORE with Sergeant Rico GomezIn this episode, we are joined by Sergeant Rico Gomez with the Harris County Sheriff's Office's Behavioral Health Unit. He introduces us to Harris County's CIRT (Crisis Intervention Response Team) and CORE (Clinician Office Remote Evaluation) programs and tells us how they have improved Harris County's response to calls with a mental health nexus.
If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."
*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the...
2023-06-2931 minReimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthGEMS Program and Juvenile Mental Health Court with Hon. Cyndi WhelessWARNING: This episode contains discussion related to bullying, sexual assault, suicide, childhood trauma, and human trafficking. Some listeners may want to skip this episode and catch up with us for the next one.
In this episode, we are joined by Judge Cynthia Wheless, the Presiding Judge of the 417th District Court in Collin County. Judge Wheless tells us how and why she created the GEMS (Girl’s Empowerment Mentoring Support) Program and a Juvenile Mental Health Court.
If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to se...
2023-05-0342 min
Reimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental HealthWhole Person Project with Kirk NoakerFor our very first episode of Reimagining Justice, we are joined by Kirk Noaker, Senior Specialist of Mental Health & Criminal Justice at the Arc of Texas. Kirk talks to us about the Whole Person Project, which seeks to expand access to quality mental health services for adult Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Links:
Whole Person Project videos
Whole Person Project background
If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice".
2023-03-1645 min