Reimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental Health

This episode features Dr. Anandita Oberoi, whose work explores chess as an intervention in juvenile detention centers.
The episode highlights a pilot project with the Fort Bend Juvenile Detention Center focused on using chess to support executive functioning among youth. The conversation explores how the pilot came about, how researchers are measuring executive functioning before and after the intervention, and what they hope to learn from the program.
For more information on the project contact Dr. Anandita Oberoi at oberoianandita@gmail.com.

If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."

*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the JCMH, the Supreme Court of Texas, or the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only.

This episode features Bill Cox, Director of Public Defense Improvement, and Kristin Meeks, Senior Policy Analyst with the Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC).

TIDC works to improve public defense across Texas by supporting counties through funding, resources, training, and system improvement. The episode will discuss TIDC's Public Defender Offices, regional programs and initiatives, support for rural counties, funding and resources available to communities interested in developing similar programs.

If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."

*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the JCMH, the Supreme Court of Texas, or the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only.

This episode features Alyse Ferguson, President of Bralle Home and Of Counsel with Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian.

Bralle Home is a residential program that supports individuals with mental health needs. Alyse shares an inside look at how Bralle Home fills critical gaps in the mental health care system, what life looks like for residents, and the organization’s vision for the future.

If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."

*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the JCMH, the Supreme Court of Texas, or the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only.

This episode features Kristen Gooch and Liz Ross, co-founders of TUBU Fest.

TUBU Fest is an award-winning theatre festival that showcases the work of playwrights, directors, and actors with disabilities. Through the performing arts, the festival creates opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to share their stories, celebrate their talents, and foster greater connection and inclusion within their communities.

If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."

*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the JCMH, the Supreme Court of Texas, or the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only.

This episode features Laura Elmore LeBlanc, Chief Executive Officer of the Sobering Center.

Founded in 2018, The Sobering Center provides a safe, compassionate alternative to jail or the emergency room for individuals experiencing intoxication, serving more than 14,000 people while evolving into a national model for innovative, community-based substance use care that connects individuals to treatment, stabilization services, and ongoing support.

If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."

*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the JCMH, the Supreme Court of Texas, or the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only.