Mental Health Court
Utica City Court
During the summer of 2023, I interned at Utica City Court under the Honorable Ralph Eannace, who has a notable history of public service, serving in the New York State Assembly from 1987 to 1993. This internship was part of the Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty program (SHECP) and provided me with valuable insights into the judicial system and the role of the court in serving the community.
In my role, I supported legal professionals by managing case files and assisting with administrative tasks. I had the opportunity to observe court proceedings, which deepened my understanding of legal processes and the challenges individuals face in navigating the justice system. This experience reinforced my commitment to advocating for equitable access to legal resources and solidified my passion for pursuing a career in law.
Mental Health Hub Court
As part of my internship, I observed the Utica City Mental Health Hub Court to better understand its operations and identify areas for improvement. The report I wrote provides insights into how the court could be more effective in addressing cases. I observed court proceedings, spoke with the court judge involved, and researched best practices. Based on my observations and research, I drafted recommendations for the incoming judge to consider when moving forward with the court’s operations, including procedural changes to better support individuals with mental health conditions.
My involvement with the Mental Health Court also involved revising the Utica Mental Health Hub Court Participant’s Handbook. The original handbook was complex and difficult to understand, so I was tasked with simplifying the language and making the court procedure more accessible. I worked closely with court staff to ensure the revised handbook maintained its legal accuracy while becoming more user-friendly.
SHECP Annual Conference
At the conclusion of my internship, I presented my experience and findings at the Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, where I shared my insights with college students, professors, and professionals. This experience allowed me to reflect on my work and network with others in the field of public policy and social justice.