Upcoming Events for JSI

Harm reduction is an essential component of any modern MOUD strategy, but without clear boundaries, it can become misunderstood, misapplied, or perceived as permissive rather than protective. Courts must balance compassion with structure, ensuring that harm reduction practices support engagement, reduce mortality, and promote stability—while still maintaining accountability and public safety. Presented by Chief Cynthia Herriott (Ret.), this session provides judges with a practical framework for implementing harm reduction approaches that are clinically sound, ethically grounded, and operationally disciplined.

Objectives:    

 1. Identify the core principles of harm reduction and understand where judicial guardrails are necessary to maintain safety, accountability, and treatment integrity.
 2. Apply structured court practices, such as clear expectations, communication protocols with providers, and measured responses to relapse, that support harm reduction without weakening supervision.
 3. Build a balanced model that uses harm reduction to stabilize participants while maintaining consistent judicial oversight and evidence-based boundaries.

Rural and underserved jurisdictions face unique barriers to implementing medications for opioid use disorder: limited providers, long travel distances, unreliable transportation, and inconsistent access to pharmacies or telehealth infrastructure. Presented by Judge Geno Salomone (Ret.), this session provides judges with practical, jurisdiction-appropriate solutions to expand treatment access despite these constraints. Participants will explore strategies that reduce gaps in care, strengthen local partnerships, and ensure that geography does not determine who receives life-saving medication.

Objectives:    

 1. Identify the structural challenges that prevent rural and underserved participants from accessing and sustaining MOUD, including provider scarcity and transportation obstacles. 
 2. Implement practical solutions—such as telemedicine integration, mobile MOUD services, pharmacy partnerships, and flexible supervision requirements—to bridge treatment gaps. 
 3. Strengthen coordination with community health networks, corrections partners, and state agencies to build stable, long-term MOUD access in resource-limited jurisdictions.

This webinar examines SUD through the lens of modern medical science, emphasizing that addiction is a chronic brain disease rather than a moral failing or lack of willpower. Participants will explore the neurological and physiological effects of illicit drugs on the brain, including how dependency alters behavior, judgment, and decision-making. JSI Consultant Salvador Valldeperas, MD will addresses the chronic and relapsing nature of SUD and why long- term treatment and support are often necessary for recovery. Designed for justice system professionals, this presentation provides a practical, evidence-based understanding of SUD and its impact on individuals involved in court and supervision systems.

Focus:

• The medical and neurological basis of SUD
• How brain chemistry and dependency affect behavior and decision-making
• The chronic nature of SUDs and relapse

This webinar explores why timing is one of the most critical factors in responding to SUB-related cases and how Early Intervention Courts (EICs) were developed to address the unique risks associated with SUD. Participants will examine the limitations of traditional court processing, including delays between arrest, assessment, and treatment engagement. JSI Co-President Judge Brian MacKenzie (Ret.) will  explore the heightened risk of overdose and death following arrest and release. The session will review the research and outcome data supporting rapid intervention models and explain how EICs differ from traditional drug courts in structure, purpose, and immediacy of response. Designed for justice system professionals, this presentation demonstrates how early intervention can improve treatment engagement, reduce overdose risk, and enhance both public safety and long-term recovery outcomes.

Focus:

The limitations of traditional case processing in substance-related cases

The heightened risk of overdose following arrest and release

Why early intervention changes outcomes

Key findings from EIC outcome data

Distinguishing EICs from traditional drug courts

Honorable Geno Salomone (Ret.)

This webinar provides a practical overview of the core structure and daily operational model of an Early Intervention Court (EIC). Participants will examine the essential components required to build and sustain an effective EIC, including rapid identification of eligible participants, immediate treatment engagement, and coordinated case management during the pre-plea phase. JSI Associate Judge Geno Salamone (Ret.) will outline distinct roles and responsibilities of judges, prosecutors, defense counsel, treatment providers, probation, and other justice system partners, while emphasizing the importance of cross-agency collaboration and communication. Designed for courts and multidisciplinary teams considering or implementing an EIC, this presentation offers a clear blueprint for how these courts function in practice and the operational strategies necessary for effective intervention and improved outcomes.

Focus:

Essential components of an Early Intervention Court

Roles of judges, prosecutors, defense, and treatment providers

Intake, screening, and rapid engagement in treatment

Court processes during the pre-plea phase

Coordination across agencies