Treatment courts serve a vulnerable population, and the loss of life is a profoundly impactful and ever-present concern. The death of a member of the treatment court community—such as a participant, team member, or other person involved in or related to the program—can trigger intense emotional responses. While the grief and emotional pain cannot be avoided or eliminated, protocols can be developed and employed to better aid participants and staff in being prepared, proactively equipped, and responsive to such events.

All Rise’s Center for Advancing Justice and Justice for Vets divisions have developed this guide for court teams. It provides foundational measures that teams should consider adopting before, during, and after such crises arise.

Authors: Robert Mitchell, M.A.R., B.C.E.T.S.; Scott Tirocchi, M.A., M.S.

Date: 2025