Lead Institution: RTI

Status: Active

Research type: Hybrid Type 1 Trial

Setting(s): County courthouses

PI: Brad Ray

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Preventing Overdose and Promoting Recovery Through Court Navigation

This study tests a peer-led court navigator program that places peer recovery specialists inside county courthouses to help people connect with substance use treatment. Researchers are evaluating whether this approach improves treatment linkage and influences overdose and public safety outcomes, while also identifying barriers and facilitators to implementing such programs in court settings. The goal is to determine if courthouses can serve as effective access points for community-based behavioral health services.

Study Aims

Assess the effectiveness of court navigation vs. information-only control with respect to linkage to substance use treatment in a randomized controlled trial

Assess the effectiveness of court navigation vs. an information-only control with respect to overdose and arrest outcomes in a randomized controlled trial

Explore barriers and facilitators to implementing peer-led court navigation in criminal-legal systems

Principal Investigator

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Brad Ray, PhD

RTI International

Co-Investigators

  • Barrot Lambdin, PhD, MPH, RTI International
  • Catherine Grodensky, PhD, MPH, RTI International
  • Arnie Aldridge, PhD, RTI International
  • Stephen Tueller, PhD, RTI International
  • Dennis Watson, PhD, Chestnut Health Systems
  • Matt Aalsma, PhD, Indiana University
  • Garland Gerber, PhD, Northeastern University

Justice Agency Partner

  • Brittany Kelly, Indiana Supreme Court

Health Agency Partner

  • Becky Buhner, Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction