One of our court's judges seems to be under unusual stress. Is there a confidential peer group assistance program for judicial officers?
Yes. The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) offers a confidential Judicial Assistance Services (JAS) program. The "JAS offers confidential assistance with mental/emotional, drug, alcohol, family, health and other personal problems. Services include assessment, referral, short-term or long-term counseling, follow-up and training."
Additional information is available from the following:
- Phone: Judicial Assistance Services (206) 727-8268 (goes directly to Barbara Harper, JAS directory.)
- Article about the JAS program from the December 2005 issue of Bar News.
- E-mail: judicialassistancecommittee@courts.wa.gov. (E-mail goes strictly to Barbara Harper at the WSBA and the judge liaison at the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC).)
- Court Rule DRJ 14 (e) regarding Confidential and Privileged Communications.
RN id: 1954