The Maryland Judiciary is adapting to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining essential operations and supporting participants in its Problem-Solving Courts. These courts focus on substance abuse, mental health, and veteran treatment programs.
Participants in these programs face increased risks of relapse due to anxiety and stress caused by the pandemic. To address this, judges and court staff are utilizing technology to continue their work.
In Somerset County, Judge Daniel Powell has ensured that the Circuit Court Recovery Court program remains active through weekly virtual sessions using Skype for Business. Since March 26, these sessions have grown from 11 to 19 participants. Judge Powell emphasizes community support during these times, stating, "As a community, we are all in this together."
The program also uses an app called Reconnect Community for remote meetings. Recovery Court Coordinator Cherie Meienschein schedules these meetings and checks case management plans. Participants can access telehealth providers and online self-help groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Baltimore City District Court's Veterans Treatment Court has also adapted by holding virtual dockets. Judge Halee Weinstein invited U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie as a guest speaker during a session on April 21. Secretary Wilkie commended the team for their dedication to veterans.
Judge Weinstein founded the Veterans Treatment Court in 2015 for veterans charged with misdemeanors or concurrent jurisdiction felonies. The program currently enrolls 33 veterans, with about 77 having completed it so far.
Veterans Treatment Court Coordinator Jamie Meyers ensures communication with veterans through weekly emails about COVID-19 resources and food deliveries while promoting telehealth treatments.