SJC Exchange Library

Ideas42's research into drivers of nonappearance in Harris County, TX, revealed, along with the usual challenges (transportation, childcare, housing instability, mental health, substance use, work obligations, etc.), new and surprising barriers to appearance:

• Scarcity (limited mental bandwidth caused by chronic poverty)
• Fear and distrust of the system
• Subpar communications about court dates

What happens when we focus on the real reasons most people miss court? We find more effective and compassionate solutions, such as reducing the number of times people are asked to travel to court, improving how courts communicate with users, clarifying the legal process, and more.