SJI frequently receives Technical Assistance (TA) grant requests for strategic planning. These applications address a myriad of changes that have occurred within the court, among the courts and its partners, and the demographics of the community. Frequently, these applications address multiple SJI Priority Investment Areas, such as providing access to justice for self-represented litigants and limited English proficient court users. Recently, two jurisdictions already utilizing the High Performance Court (HPC) Framework completed a strategic planning process.

The Mohave County Courts (SJI-13-T-020) unveiled its 2014—2018 Strategic Plan earlier this year, which revised an existing document and process that was five years in the making. With assistance from the NCSC, the Strategic Planning Committee, including representatives from the Superior Court, Justice Court, Clerk, probation, and county administration, collaborated on a cohesive vision to meet the needs of the community.

Using the HPC Self-Assessment that addresses ten core areas of court performance, the SPC identified areas for improvement in the new plan. Five “Strategic Pillars” for the Mohave Courts were identified including: serving the public; delivering timely justice; court access, facilities, and infrastructure; engaged staff; and community collaboration and outreach. Results of the assessment, detailed descriptions of the pillars, and guidance regarding implementation are included in the final report. The Mohave County Courts Strategic Plan is available through the NCSC Digital Library.

The Superior Court of the U.S. Virgin Islands (SJI-13-T-087), which includes operations in the Divisions of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, began utilizing the HPC Framework following their implementation of CourTools over five years ago. Utilizing the same format, judicial, administrative, and human resources leadership from the Court collaborated to establish three principal objectives, including, access and fairness for the community, delivering timely justice, and employee satisfaction. The strategic plan includes: the Court’s mission, vision, and action steps; the process used to develop the plan and disseminate the HPC Self-Assessment; and, recommendations from the Access and Fairness Task Force.