Tiffany M. Couch, Montgomery County’s Circuit Court Clerk, has partnered with New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS) to provide post-trial resources and a free one-time initial consultation for jurors.
“We are excited to partner with the Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk’s office to provide post-trial support, consultation, and resources for jurors,” said Erin Brosius, LCSW Outpatient Program Director at NRVCS. “Being exposed to traumatic images and details may cause significant anxiety, stress, and vicarious trauma. Our goal is to ease the anxiety, stress, and potential guilt individuals may feel following a trial by offering jurors the opportunity to speak with a mental health professional in a safe environment.”
According to the Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA), there are an estimated 11 million individuals reporting for jury service every year. The COSCA’s new policy paper, Citizens on Call: Responding to the Needs of 21st Century Jurors, reinforces the importance of jury service, as well as urging courts to improve the treatment of jurors. This paper offers recommendations and strategies, one of which takes into consideration the continued stress that may result from performing jury service.
“When I heard about the Jury Trauma Program in Rockingham County Circuit Court from their Clerk, Chaz W. Haywood, I knew Montgomery County Jurors deserve the same resource” said Tiffany M. Couch, Clerk.
“Jurors perform a critical role in the cornerstone of justice in Montgomery County,” she continued. “They are an integral part of the judicial system. Jurors personally sacrifice time away from work, family, and other commitments. I commend them for their undivided attention and dedication to each case in which they hear. I am pleased to offer this new post-trial resource by partnering with NRVCS, providing this will help them process the testimony they hear.”
Montgomery County’s Clerk’s Office
