Revolutionary Mental Health Support: Champaign Co. Courthouse...

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Receiving a jury duty summons in the mail can be an unexpected source of stress. For some individuals in Champaign County, the experience has proven to be particularly overwhelming, with judges noting that it can even be traumatizing.

In response, the Champaign County Courthouse has introduced a new initiative offering complimentary therapy sessions to jurors following the conclusion of a trial.

“If a juror finds themselves experiencing stress or anxiety after their service, whether due to the trial itself or the deliberations, they have the option to consult with a counselor at no cost,” explained Randy Rosenbaum, the Presiding Judge of Champaign County.

Jury duty is not a voluntary undertaking, and its effects can be significant. Judge Rosenbaum highlighted the necessity of this program, citing his personal observations.

“Over the past six months, I’ve encountered at least two jurors who seemed particularly troubled after completing their service,” Rosenbaum recounted.

So, he started talking with social workers and doing his own research. He found a reason why some jurors could be struggling.

“Vicarious trauma really is secondary trauma. You don’t undergo the incident, but you hear about it. It could be because of the case that they’re hearing, with horrific facts. It could be that the jury deliberation got kind of mean and nasty,” Rosenbaum said.

He added that jury duty is a good experience most of the time.

“They get to help resolve disputes, they hear about the community, and they feel that they’ve provided some wonderful service,” Rosenbaum shared.

However, it’s not always the case.

“I had a jury trial where the charges involved a particularly brutal rape and kidnaping situation,” Champaign County Circuit Judge, Roger Webber, said.

He added that several jurors told him that listening to testimonies was traumatizing. Webber said that part of a judge’s instructions to jurors is to not talk about a case with anyone until it’s over to prevent outside influence.

“One of the jurors in particular said this was really, really difficult case for them. She felt traumatized, and then had to just suffer in silence,” Webber shared.

While not every case is like that, Webber said that offering therapy to jurors is the least they could do for their outstanding service.

“If we can provide a way to help them process it, deal with it, and get over it. I think that’s something we owe them,” Webber said.

Katie Martin Therapy will be providing the free 30-minute sessions. The program starts next week.

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