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

This webinar examines the legal and ethical issues that arise in the operation of Early Intervention Courts (EICs), particularly during the early intervention and pre-plea phases of participation. Participants will explore due process considerations, confidentiality requirements, information sharing limitations, and the importance of maintaining voluntary participation while protecting participant rights. JSI Co-President Judge Brian MacKenzie (Ret.) will addresses the ethical responsibilities of judges, prosecutors, defense counsel, treatment providers, and supervision agencies working within a collaborative court model. Designed for multidisciplinary justice professionals, this presentation provides practical guidance on balancing accountability, treatment engagement, public safety, and constitutional protections while implementing and operating an EIC responsibly and effectively.

Focus:

Pre-plea participation and due process considerations

Confidentiality and information sharing

Voluntariness and participant rights

Ethical obligations across disciplines

Managing risk while maintaining engagement

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how justice professionals gather information, manage workloads, communicate, and make decisions. JSI Co-President, Judge Brian MacKenzie (Ret.) will provide accountability court professionals with a practical understanding of AI tools currently being used across the justice system, the opportunities these tools may offer, and the safeguards necessary to ensure responsible implementation.

Learning Objectives:

Recognize the core principles and practical uses of artificial intelligence in accountability courts

Understand the impact of AI on the multidisciplinary accountability court team members.

Identify risk assessment tools, documentation support, supervision apps, GPS monitoring, and compliance systems as emerging AI-enabled technologies 

Identify examples of false AI outputs, validation duties, professional responsibility, and courtroom reliability concerns.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how justice professionals gather information, manage workloads, communicate, and make decisions. JSI Co-President, Judge Brian MacKenzie (Ret.) will provide accountability court professionals with a practical understanding of AI tools currently being used across the justice system, the opportunities these tools may offer, and the safeguards necessary to ensure responsible implementation.

Learning Objectives – Attendees of this session will:

Recognize the core principles and practical uses of artificial intelligence in accountability courts

Understand the impact of AI on the multidisciplinary accountability court team members.

Identify risk assessment tools, documentation support, supervision apps, GPS monitoring, and compliance systems as emerging AI-enabled technologies

Identify examples of false AI outputs, validation duties, professional responsibility, and courtroom reliability concerns.