MARQUETTE, MI— The National Rural Justice Collaborative has recognized Marquette County for its justice system innovations.
The county has received the Rural Justice Advisory Council “Community Innovation Award.”
The RJC honored Marquette County for three innovative programs. They include a new Jobs Court, which helps certain defendants train for and keep good-paying jobs. Another program diverts mentally ill individuals from general incarceration and opened a new facility staffed by a Crisis Intervention Team. And the Marquette County Public Defender’s Office was recognized for its innovative approach to ensuring defendants have access to behavioral health services. The office hired a mental health professional and two social work interns to help court-involved individuals navigate the system.
The RJC showcases the strengths of rural communities and highlights the cross-sector collaboration that is a hallmark of rural justice systems. The work under the RJC is supported by a cross-sector advisory council composed of rural judges along with additional stakeholders in the justice, child welfare, behavioral health, and public health systems.
