96. Live from the Hoosier State: Justice Reform, CMA Fest, and TikTok Docs

This week, we’re stepping in it—live from Indiana! After a chaotic detour through CMA Fest (yes, we accidentally ran into Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts on Broadway), we’re back with crop scouting updates and a deep dive into a powerful conversation from the Hoosier State. Chief Justice Loretta Rush shares Indiana’s bold efforts to reform how the judiciary addresses substance use and behavioral health, moving away from punishment toward person-centered justice. We explore how the state is embedding behavioral health expertise in its highest court, equipping judges with practical tools, and driving collaborative change. Plus, highlights from two standout plenaries: an SEC referee’s playbook on teamwork and a live Glaucomflecken performance that hilariously yet pointedly unpacks our broken healthcare system.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover effective strategies for navigating the behavioral health system and accessing the support you need.
• Explore the intersection of substance use and juvenile courts, uncovering insights into effective interventions for young people.
• Gain valuable insights into Indiana's innovative judicial approach to addressing behavioral health challenges.
• Uncover the potential of diversion programs in behavioral health, and their impact on improving outcomes for individuals.
• Understand the crucial role of rural health in addressing behavioral issues, and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introducing the Stepping in It Podcast
00:03:19 - Justice System and Restorative Justice
00:05:38 - Challenges in the Justice System
00:09:08 - Second Chances and Stigma
00:11:03 - Collaboration and Data in Behavioral Health
00:12:46 - Data and Resources for Judicial Response to Substance Use Disorders
00:13:34 - Courts Leading Change and Available Briefs
00:14:30 - Hidden Resources in the National Center for State Courts
00:15:50 - Inconsistent Diagnosis and Treatment in Correctional Facilities
00:20:30 - Unique Perspectives in Healthcare and Trauma
00:25:01 - Working Together for a Better Behavioral Health System
00:25:30 - Call to Action
00:25:55 - Signing Off
00:26:15 - Next Steps
00:26:40 - Conclusion

Links:

• https://documents.ncsl.org/wwwncsl/Summit/2023/Session-Resources/Courts-As-Leaders-in-the-Crisis-of-Addiction.pdf
• https://www.pacourts.us/Storage/media/pdfs/20240819/162643-finalreport.statecourtsleadingchange.pdf
• https://www.ncsc.org/resources-courts/behavioral-health

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Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RvJhQ2p0cz8