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Rural Communities Committee

Mission

The Rural Communities Committee of the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health works to improve the administration of justice in rural Texas by expanding awareness of mental health services, identifying community needs, developing resources, fostering expert collaboration, and promoting informed public policy.

 

Background

For Texans who live with a mental illness, community resources to help courts identify, understand, and respond to mental health needs are often hardest to find in rural parts of the state. Distance, workforce shortages, limited funding, and a lack of nearby treatment options create unique challenges for rural courts, law enforcement, and the individuals and families they serve.

The Rural Communities Committee was established by JCMH to bring together judges, mental health authorities, law enforcement, attorneys, and other stakeholders from across the state to examine these challenges and develop practical, regionally grounded solutions.

 

Short-Term Goals

  • Review the current landscape of mental health services available in rural Texas communities
  • Study existing programs and models used by other organizations and states
  • Identify gaps and unmet needs across rural counties
  • Connect stakeholders working on rural mental health and justice issues

Long-Term Goals

  • Map mental health resources available across rural regions of the state
  • Review relevant research, data, and literature to identify effective, replicable models
  • Develop reports and implementation guides for rural courts and communities
  • Organize into regional working groups to strengthen collaboration within specific geographic areas

 

Defining "Rural"

One of the committee's early tasks has been to determine what "rural" means for its purposes. Rather than relying on a single number, the committee has considered a range of population thresholds—up to 75,000 citizens, but recognizes that many communities with populations well above these figures are still predominantly rural in character, land area, and access to services. The committee continues to refine this definition as it develops its regional approach.

 

Meetings

The Rural Communities Committee typically meets three times a year via video conference. Meeting agendas and materials are posted in advance of each meeting.

 

Get Involved

The Rural Communities Committee welcomes participation from judges, mental health authorities, law enforcement, attorneys, and other stakeholders working on rural justice and mental health issues. Membership is open, subject to review by the Committee Chair and JCMH staff.

For more information about the Rural Issues Committee or to get involved, contact the JCMH at JCMH@txcourts.gov. Attorney Katy Turner is the JCMH Staff Lead for the Rural Communities Committee and any requests for information or inquiries on how to get involved may be directed to her.