Accused and Confused - Why Every Community Needs a Competency Court

Explore the critical need for Competency Courts in communities through this insightful TEDx talk by Susan Blanco, Chief Judge of the 8th Judicial District of Colorado. Discover how competency issues arise when accused individuals struggle to comprehend court proceedings, leading to prolonged jail stays while awaiting treatment. Learn about a simple yet effective model for addressing this complex problem locally through Competency Courts, which bring together concerned individuals, facilitate communication, and foster community collaboration. Gain valuable insights from Judge Blanco's experience in developing Colorado's first Competency Court and her extensive work in criminal justice, juvenile delinquency, and dependency cases. Understand the potential impact of implementing Competency Courts in addressing the challenges faced by accused individuals with comprehension difficulties and improving the overall justice system in communities.