Transforming Lives: How an Innovative Court Partnership Provides Families with Essential Mental Health and Legal Support

When family issues arise, they can quickly escalate, creating stress and instability. Brittany Rudd, an assistant professor at Michigan State University, is leading a compelling initiative called the Family Law Navigation Model. This pilot program aims to support families dealing with legal challenges, such as divorce and custody disputes, to prevent them from becoming more complicated.

Rudd emphasizes the risks tied to family transitions. “Divorce and separation often lead to mental health issues for both parents and kids,” she says. This stress can sometimes spill over into legal disputes, increasing the likelihood of negative outcomes.

The Family Law Navigation Model is part of a broader project by the National Center for Health and Justice Integration for Suicide Prevention (NCHATS). Funded by a $15 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, NCHATS aims to identify people at higher risk of suicide and connect them to available resources. Rudd’s project is one of four pilot initiatives under NCHATS, focusing on making family courts a vital intervention point.

One challenge many families face, especially those with lower incomes, is navigating the legal system without proper representation. “There is no right to a lawyer in civil cases,” Rudd explains. This lack of support can exacerbate their struggles.

Having a background in child psychology, Rudd has long been committed to helping families. Before her work at MSU, she served as a professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, where she first conceptualized the Family Law Navigation Model. She wants to bridge the gap between legal challenges and mental health support. “I saw a lot of families in crisis. We need to embed support services during these transitions to help them,” she adds.

NCHATS connects over 36 researchers and various institutions to ensure a wide support network. Jennifer Johnson, a key figure at MSU, notes the collaborative effort is vital for real-world change. “We need everyone in the system—from judges to mental health professionals—to work together,” she states.

In Indiana, a collaborative effort alongside the Indiana Superior Court seeks to provide families access to legal support while connecting them with mental health services. Known as the Families Matter Triage Program, this initiative is designed to collect data and demonstrate the model’s effectiveness. Rudd has closely worked with Judge Maria D. Granger, who is an advocate for this new approach. “Judge Granger has been instrumental in moving this project forward, and more counties are interested in implementing it,” shares Rudd.

The overarching goal is to gather data to evaluate this model’s impact on families and the court system. “We want to rethink how to support families in crisis,” Judge Granger notes, emphasizing the importance of early legal guidance combined with mental health care. This dual approach aims to clarify—rather than complicate—the process for families.

Rudd believes that addressing issues like poverty, inadequate education, and limited healthcare access can prevent feelings of hopelessness. “When families face stressful transitions, we want to intervene early,” she explains. “Connecting them with the right resources can truly make a difference.”

This initiative highlights the importance of timely support during difficult familial changes. By fostering connections between legal and mental health resources, Rudd and her team hope to create pathways that lead to healthier family dynamics and, ultimately, a reduction in suicide risks.

For more information about mental health initiatives and statistical insights, you can explore resources from the National Institute of Mental Health or visit the College of Human Medicine website.

Source link