By Jill E. Roberts, Deputy Director, Access to Justice Division, AOIC

The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission) and the Access to Justice Division of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) launched the application process for a grant initiative and are extending invitations to join their network of court personnel who assist self-represented litigants (SRLs) and advance access to justice.

The grant program, called Access to Justice Improvement Grant, asks courts to think about what their locality needs to help advance access to justice and encourages them to submit a proposal for funds to help achieve that goal. So far, over $1.5 million in grant funds have been awarded to jurisdictions to develop a range of innovative projects from repurposing courthouse space for help desks and improving signage materials to creating early resolution programs that resolve divorce cases more quickly or partnering with legal aid agencies for courthouse-based help desks.

Even if a grant is not awarded or requested, a designated staff member may participate in the Court Navigator Network which includes any interested clerk or court staff members, grant recipients, and Illinois JusticeCorps fellows. Network members will serve as a bridge, linking their courthouses with others throughout the state to share ideas, develop new resources, and establish programs for assisting court users.

The Requests for Proposals is posted on the Court’s website. If you are interested in applying for grant funds but want to learn more first, there is an informational video you can watch. Questions are welcome anytime and should be directed to jroberts@illinoiscourts.gov. The application deadline is Friday, June 28, 2024.