HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-01-2025; 4-b - Proclamation Recognizing 25th Anniversary of Community Resource Court 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 1, 2025
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-b
SUBJECT: Proclamation Recognizing 25th Anniversary of Community Resource Court
DEPARTMENT: Criminal Justice Resources
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Pamela Weiden, District Court Judge's
Office, Programs and Special
Projects Manager, 919-644-4659
Caitlin Fenhagen, CJRD Director/Deputy
Manager, 919-245-2300
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation designating April 29, 2025, as "Community Resource
Court Day" in recognition of the 25t" anniversary of Community Resource Court in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: Community Resource Court (CRC) was started twenty-five (25) years ago in
Orange County by the District Court Judge's Office and court and behavioral health stakeholders
to support individuals in the criminal justice system with mental health needs. This innovative
specialty court was the first of its kind in North Carolina. Individuals who voluntarily enter CRC are
diverted from the regular court process and provided theraputic support and interventions by a
multi-disciplinary team with the goal of providing rehabilitation, stability, accountability and an
ongoing connection to services.
The Court meets monthly and participants have individualized clinical plans depending on their
behavioral health needs. The session starts with a confidential team staffing of all the participants
and then during the closed court session, each participant appears before the presiding judge to
discuss their progress, any challenges and next steps. Participation in CRC is typically six to nine
months and upon successful completion, there is a beneficial legal outcome that could involve the
charges being dismissed or probation terminating.
Many graduates of CRC return to the Court sessions to share their insights with new participants.
Over the last 25 years, there have been more than 1,000 individuals that have participated in the
Court. These participants and the Court's longevity are a testament to the success of this
innovative program, which could not occur without a dedicated team of stakeholders who ensure
its successful operation. This team includes the coordinator, two clinicians from UNC`s Center for
Excellence in Community Mental Health, a judge, defense attorneys, a prosecutor and community
advocates. The team, while serving in different roles, all share the mission of ensuring the well-
being of the participants and the success of the Court.
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In honor of the 25th anniversary of CRC, a celebration is planned at the United Church of Chapel
Hill on April 29, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The public is invited to join this event to recognize
the importance of this Court to the community and Judicial District 18.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of this
proclamation.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY
OBJECTIVE 4. Reduce impacts and barriers for justice-involved children and adults
through deflection, diversion, therapeutic interventions, and re-entry support, including
housing.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the Proclamation.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
RECOGNIZING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF
COMMUNITY RESOURCE COURT
WHEREAS, for 25 years, the Orange County Community Resource Court has served as
a pioneering initiative to address the unique needs of individuals with mental health
conditions and other challenges who come into contact with the justice system; and
WHEREAS, this innovative diversionary court program was established to promote
rehabilitation, stability, and accountability by providing support and access to vital mental
health services, substance use treatment, and community resources rather than relying
on traditional court processes and punitive measures; and
WHEREAS, Community Resource Court has fostered partnerships between judges,
attorneys, mental health professionals, law enforcement, advocates, service providers,
and community partners, all of whom work together as a team to support participants in
achieving positive outcomes; and
WHEREAS, Community Resource Court has played a crucial role in reducing recidivism,
enhancing public safety, saving money, and promoting healthier, more stable lives for
participants; and
WHEREAS, Community Resource Court has been a model specialty court that many
other jurisdictions have sought to adopt and replicate; and
WHEREAS, the success and longevity of Community Resource Court exemplify Orange
County's ongoing commitment to compassionate justice, community well-being, the de-
stigmatization of mental health conditions and the Stepping Up Initiative; and
WHEREAS, Caroline Ginley and James White have served as Clinical Managers for
Community Resource Court for more than twenty years with integrity, empathy,
unwavering commitment and have provided invaluable resourcefulness and expertise;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of County
Commissioners formally recognizes the 25th Anniversary of Community Resource Court,
honoring its more than 1,000 participants and team stakeholders and its significant impact
on the lives of individuals and the community with a celebration at United Church of
Chapel Hill on April 29, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that April 29, 2025, is hereby proclaimed as "Community
Resource Court Day" in Orange County, encouraging all residents to support and
recognize this invaluable program and the dedicated professionals who have contributed
to its success over the past 25 years.
This the 1 st day of April, 2025.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners