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Judicial Council directs advisory committee to roll out equity assessments for adult collaborative courts
Summary
The Judicial Council approved recommendations to implement equity-assessment tools for adult collaborative (treatment) courts, asking staff to explore technical-assistance pilot funding and to encourage courts to assess race/ethnicity data collection and local equity practices.
The Judicial Council on April 25 voted to direct an advisory committee to implement equity assessments across adult collaborative (treatment) court programs.
Presenters Justice Charles Smiley III and Veronica Lewis introduced a report titled "Addressing Racial Disparities and Improving Equity in California's Adult Collaborative Programs," laying out four priority areas: collecting race and ethnicity data, adopting equity-assessment tools, promoting best practices, and strengthening community engagement. "We recommend that all adult collaborative programs assess equity and inclusion within program operations," Smiley said, urging the council to authorize work on Priority 2 and pilot technical assistance using existing committee resources.
The presenters tied the recommendations to recent legislation, noting that Senate Bill 910 requires adult collaborative courts to ensure equitable access and outcomes. Veronica Lewis said the committee identified an All Rise–recognized assessment tool available to courts and recommended Judicial Council staff explore funding to support implementation. "This recommendation will also allow our advisory committee to work with collaborative courts, and especially those that work with people facing mental illness, substance use disorder, or co-occurring disorder, to use assessment tools that will identify and correct areas where racial disparities may exist," Smiley said.
Council members praised the report’s practical focus. Justice Fujisaki highlighted the rules and forms work behind the scenes and noted the rules committee’s role in circulating proposals for public comment. Judge Mormon moved adoption of the committee’s recommendations; the motion was seconded and approved on a voice vote with no recorded noes or abstentions.
The council asked the committee to look for implementation options that do not add costs to local courts and to return with pilot details and any authority changes recommended after further review. The approved direction focuses on encouraging and supporting courts to use equity assessments and on identifying potential funding for technical assistance.
