By Brittany Kelly, State Court Behavioral Health Administrator | Office of Judicial Administration
State courts across the country have increasingly recognized that behavioral health challenges—mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions—are major drivers of court involvement.
Recognizing the need for a coordinated, court-led approach, in July 2022, CCJ and COSCA adopted RESOLUTION 1: In Support of the Recommendations of the National Judicial Task Force to Examine State Courts’ Response to Mental Illness. One key recommendation in the resolution urged state courts to “[c]onsider the appointment of a behavioral health director/administrator and a team within the Administrative Office of the Courts to develop and implement improved court responses for court-involved individuals with serious mental illness.”
Indiana acted on this recommendation in May 2024, when Chief Justice Rush established the Office of Behavioral Health and the Indiana Judicial Conference created the Behavioral Health Committee. With this step, Indiana became the tenth state to formalize a statewide infrastructure dedicated to improving court responses to behavioral health needs.
In its inaugural term, and with the support of a grant from the State Justice Institute, committee members authored a report to provide Indiana’s judiciary with practical, court-focused recommendations for addressing behavioral health challenges. Modeled after the National Judicial Task Force Report to Examine State Courts’ Response to Mental Illness, the committee’s work reflects the unique features of Indiana’s legal landscape and emphasizes strategies that can be effectively led by Indiana’s judicial officers.
It is a report written by judges, for judges.
“Through leadership, education, and collaboration, we aim to equip courts with the resources and best practices necessary to deliver effective, compassionate, and appropriate responses.”
—Judge Stephanie Campbell
Behavioral Health Committee Chair
The committee created four workgroups to focus on the most critical areas affecting Indiana’s courts:
- Education
- Connection to Treatment
- Competency
- Data and Funding
Recognizing and addressing the impact of mental health and substance use on court operations is an essential first step toward meaningful, system-wide change that strengthens public safety, promotes cost-effective practices, and improves the well-being of all Hoosiers. The goal of the committee in authoring this report is to empower Indiana’s judiciary and equip it with practical tools and guidance for advancing better outcomes. Whether the work involves ongoing education, responding to competency concerns effectively, fostering connections to treatment and resources, or improving data and funding practices, readers should expect to find clear, actionable steps in the Behavioral Health Committee’s findings and recommendations.
The committee’s inaugural report and recommendations will be promoted statewide. Courts and partners are encouraged to prioritize recommendations, align resources, and position their community to implement these goals effectively. Training opportunities will also be provided for those seeking deeper understanding, and progress will be tracked to ensure continued learning and adaptation.
This report is not intended to sit on a shelf. It is meant to spark informed and collaborative conversations among judges, justice system professionals, behavioral health providers, and community partners. By working together, Indiana can continue to move forward and build a justice system that responds effectively and compassionately to behavioral health needs.
Chair of the Behavioral Health Committee, Fountain County Judge Stephanie Campbell, says, “We are committed to strengthening Indiana’s courts by building a coordinated, statewide approach to behavioral health that better serves individuals with mental health and substance use needs. Through leadership, education, and collaboration, we aim to equip courts with the resources and best practices necessary to deliver effective, compassionate, and appropriate responses. This inaugural report establishes a clear foundation for this approach to behavioral health in Indiana’s courts and outlines the strategic steps needed to improve outcomes for individuals and the justice system alike.”
Read the report at on.in.gov/obh-report-2026