National Judicial Opioid Task Force Resources

Comforting a crisis. Promoting solutions. (12/2018, NJOTF):
This resource highlights the creation and work of the National Judicial Opioid Task Force, including the Task Force’s Five Principles for Courts, (1) A Comprehensive Approach; (2) All Hands on Deck; (3) Individualized Treatment and Services; (4) Protecting Children and Supporting Families; and (5) Making a Difference and Measuring Success. 

Fentanyl, Carfentanil, and Their Analogs in the Courthouse (12/2018, NJOTF):
This resource contains information regarding fentanyl and carfentanil, their analogs, potential risks associated with exposure, and precautionary measures implemented by courts.

PDMP Courts (11/15,2018; NJOTF)
This resource contains information about the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. The resource reviews statistical information regarding the opioid epidemic, historical contexts of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs, and a system overview intended for drug court and criminal justice professionals. 

Promising Strategies in Providing Opioid Use Disorder Treatment to Rural, Frontier, and other Underserved Communities (1/2019, NJOTF):
This resource explores unique challenges to opioid treatment in vulnerable rural areas. Specific attention is paid to the following challenges: (1) accessibility; (2) availability; (3) stigma; (4) funding; and (5) bias against medication assisted treatment (MAT). Several technological solutions and innovative initiatives are presented.

SUD Dictionary for State Courts (4/2019 NJOTF)
This guide is intended as a resource for judges and court staff who are involved with issues of substance use disorders and who may benefit from a better understanding of the sometimes, technical terms, acronyms, and references used by medical and treatment professionals.

Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder (9/2018, NJOTF)
This resource discusses the key issues surrounding medication assisted treatment (MAT), the evidence that underlies treatment types for opioid use disorder, best practices, and legal implications. 

Trauma, Substance Use, and Justice System-Involved Youth (1/2019, NJOTF)
This resource raises awareness of the impact the opioid epidemic exerts on children and families and shares examples of strategies courts have adopted to become more trauma-informed and trauma-responsive to youth and their families.

Understanding the Basics of Addiction (10/2018, NJOTF)
This resource discusses the environmental (i.e. condition at the home, workplace, or school) and biological (i.e. genetic composition or biological development), as well as trauma related factors that contribute to addiction. Specific emphasis is placed on opioid use disorder. This resource, also, contains forms of treatment for opioid use disorder and the role of innovative court programs in developing and implementing interventions.