At RISE23, we hosted an interactive session titled “The Great Exchange: My Best Idea of the Year.” Attendees learned from and inspired each other as they shared some of their best ideas. Many agreed to let us post them here NDCRC blog for you to consider adopting. Let us know what you think in the “Comments” box below, and feel free to share your own ideas too. Stay tuned….We will post more of your great ideas in the coming weeks!
We begin this series by recognizing two ideas coming from treatment court teams in Colorado and New Mexico, and both aim to increase general awareness of the their programs and referrals.
The first idea we want to share comes from Recovery Court 4th Judicial District in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Type of Treatment Court:
Adult Drug Court
Our idea:
We created a “Problem Solving Court kiosk” at the county jail for people to self-report to. The kiosk also provided information about the Problem Solving Courts (PSCs) in the jurisdiction so people could self-advocate.
What problem was your idea trying to solve?
We wanted to inform people who were eligible what PSC’s are available in our District. While it didn’t solve all issues, it was/is a strong marketing and education tool for the district.
What issue(s) did your idea address?
Increase referrals and awareness; potential participants can access PSCs during pre-plea; Equity in distributing available resources
How could you tell your idea worked? What changed?
Increase in minority and female referrals
What resources were needed to implement it? Costs?
Collaboration with Sheriff; Tech support for the kiosk in the jail; Staff time to record and distribute information
The next great idea comes from First Judicial District Rio Arriba Magistrate DWI Court in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.
Type of Treatment Court:
DWI Court
Our idea:
We developed an enrollment tool by partnering with our in-house data team. The tool uses statewide information to tailor make an accurate list of potential participants, depending on court enrollment criteria.
What problem was your idea trying to solve?
Low enrollment
What issue(s) did your idea address?
Equity & Inclusion; Partnerships
How could you tell your idea worked? What changed?
Immediate enrollment increase
What resources were needed to implement it? Costs?
Simply establishing a relationship with a department within the same entity
What are the possible pitfalls to avoid?
Avoid including unnecessary information in generating the list.