Okay, this post discusses the judical hotline we are going to pay for because our judges do not have medical doctors that suffice in Idaho. We are going to pay through the nose for this because our judges want medical privacy. They cannot get it here in Idaho so they are hiring out an independent contractor.
From the April 2009 Wellness Committee minutes:
Wellness Toolbox: Andrea discussed the Judicial Hotline proposals. The first proposal was from the State of Idaho and is with a vendor the State currently uses. The current contract would just need to be adjusted slightly to accommodate our request.
The second proposal was from Richard Carlton. He charges $150 per hour and $75 per hour for travel. Andrea reported that he has been involved with helping judges for 8 years and is very excited about assisting Idaho. He is working with the 9th Circuit and has had a lot of experience in dealing with this sort of thing. It was noted that most people would be more comfortable with an actual person rather than an organization. Patti recommended that we pursue a final agreement with Richard Carlton, and then ask him to join, by phone, the committee’s next meeting in June. It was also noted, that the cost for his services could be put in the budget. The committee also felt the judges would be more comfortable with an independent contractor because it would not get spread around the area.
Action Item: Andrea will make arrangements for Richard Carlton to join, by phone, the next committee meeting in June.
From the June 2009 Wellness minutes:
Wellness Toolbox: Justice Trout introduced Richard Carlton, MPH. Mr. Carlton has been working with the 9th Circuit and the California Judges’ Association with their respective judicial assistance telephone lines.
Mr. Carlson gave a brief background of his qualifications. He advised the committee that he has been working with Employee Assistance since 1982, working with attorneys since 1987, and working with judicial officers since 1993. He operates a 24/7, toll-free counseling and assistance line. He began working with the 9th Circuit in 2000 and began running PALS (Private Judicial Assistance Line) in 2001. The majority of the telephone calls are consulting with chief judges about another judge in the courthouse on how to (1) identify problems and symptoms as well as (2) approach the other judge about the concerns.
He advised that a few individuals use his referrals and do go on to work with a counselor in their area, but it is not frequent. In addition, some individuals seek professional assistance on their own without utilizing the judicial assistance line.
Discussion was held regarding whether the short-term telephonic consultations were sufficient, or if it needed to go a step further and see the individual getting in-person help. Mr. Carlton advised that many judges are reticent about getting local counseling and that with the contacts from other judges, there is often success in addressing issues early on so further counseling is not always necessary. In addition, judges can call back any time. Finally, at times, Mr. Carlton recommends that the judge follow up with the judge’s personal health care provider.
Additional discussion was held regarding the following topics:
- The increased use of the line as awareness of the resource grows, judges give word of mouth referrals to other judges, and if there is a cultural willingness to help colleagues.
- The amount of time spent on each case is usually a couple of hours.
- Spousal and family calls into the line, which are more frequently children than spouses calling in. Mr. Carlton noted that he does not do couples counseling.
- Educating judges about the availability of the line:
- the committee reviewed and approved of the business card and its broad description of issues.
- The committee discussed the family handbook’s description of the judicial resource line. This same description will be available in the handbook that will be created for ADJs and TCAs.
- Mr. Carlton will attend the September Judicial Conference and do a short presentation after being introduced to the judges so that the judges can associate a name and face with the line. He will also have a table at the conference so that he can meet the judges one-on-one, perhaps with a humorous sign such as the Dr. is in.
- In addition to the 1-877-IDJUDGE toll-free line, the committee decided that an email would be provided for Mr. Carlton but recognized that judges would likely not contact Mr. Carlton in that manner.
- The committee reviewed sample brochures from other states and discussed the cost, educational opportunity of the brochures and it was decided to develop the formal brochure.
- The first roll out of the materials will be at the September Judicial Conference and then would be included in the new judge and family letters. The materials will also be made available at educational programs.
The next discussion was about the Judicial Conference. The main focus will be introducing Mr. Carlton on Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. The committee had the opportunity to review Mr. Carlton’s PowerPoint presentation that he has given to attorneys. This presentation will be further changed to reflect the judicial audience and directly address isolation, which is a critical issue for the judiciary. Mr. Carlton said he likes to make his presentation fun and light because laughter is good for stress. In addition to introducing Mr. Carlton and the judicial assistance line, there will also be Wellness Wednesday screenings at the conference, such as blood pressure, BMI, measurements, and possibly cholesterol or other screenings as well.
Well, folks, I am really disgusted over this and neither you or I had any input in these decisions (only the judicial committee appointees), however we will pay for it all. If you don’t believe all of this, and I would understand if you didn’t, call the Idaho Supreme Court and ask for the minutes – (208) 334-2246.
We are also going to pay for a special judicial spousal handbook. Later on that.
I can’t leave you without this special little nugget. The judge’s wife really has influence doesn’t she? You would think that these folks would want to discuss their issues with the Supreme Court Justice?
From the April 2009 Wellness Judicial Committee minutes:
Action Item: Judge Heise will talk with Jonelle about remaining on the committee on a limited basis and will email Patti, Andrea, or Justice Trout on the outcome.
Jonelle is Magistrate Judge Simpson’s wife from District I. She is on this Wellness Committee with Judge Heise. In the interest of disclosure Magistrate Judge Heise presided over Jonelle’s divorce. Case Number: CV-1994-0001477. It’s on ISTARS. See post below for more related details.
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