KCUR
A Kansas City court sentences some nonviolent offenders to therapy, yoga and meditation
Kansas City’s Wellness Court is partnering with a local yoga studio to offer a program called “Healing Justice.” It combines yoga, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce stress and recidivism among nonviolent offenders.
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KCMO Municipal Court first court in U.S. to adopt Fathers for Change program
The Kansas City Municipal Domestic Violence specialty court will be the first court in the nation to adopt Yale University’s Fathers for Change program. The Fathers for Change program includes 6 months of individual therapy and coaching, and focuses on accountability and repair.
KSHB 41
Kansas City's unique domestic violence court handles nearly 200 cases daily, driving change to stop violence
Specialized court programming targets people with the greatest potential to change and stop the cycle of violence. Court leaders say the process, which they call a "hub of judicial innovation," sets KC apart from court systems across the country.
KSHB 41
Kansas City, Missouri, domestic violence intervention program shows promising results
Domestic violence intervention curriculum successfully reduces the rate of recurrence. Judge Courtney Wachal discusses the three-hour intervention course that first time domestic violence offenders were required to attend. Of the 300 individuals who were ordered to take the course, only 6% returned to Domestic Violence court for further offenses.
PBS News
This Kansas City ‘wellness court’ takes a new approach to mental health, substance use
Kansas City’s Wellness Court attempts to reduce recidivism as well as better support people going through the legal system. The new specialty court is designed to merge the city’s separate mental health and drug courts, considering offenses alongside resources, treatment and a pathway out of the legal system.
Missouri Independent
Kansas City’s new Wellness Court to help those with mental health disorders, addiction
Kansas City’s Wellness Court address co-occurring issues such as mental health and drug use. Specialty or problem-solving courts are allowing for voluntary court-supervised programming and treatment, rather than punishment for low level offenses.
Flatland KC
Kansas City Establishes New Court in Undaunting Setting
Kansas City is taking court “straight to the people” with a new Community Court that convenes at a multipurpose center in the urban core, not the downtown courthouse. The off-site location at 27th Street and Prospect Avenue is essential to the specialty court’s focus on serving people experiencing instability issues, such as homelessness, by providing easier, less threatening access to Municipal Court and its services.