Prior to the initiation of the Ninth District ITV project, several judges had been using DHS s videoteleconferencing systems to conduct hearings involving persons committed with chemical dependence, mental illness, or mental disabilities. Of these three regional treatment centers, only one is within the Ninth District. Before videoconferencing was available, the judge and court reporter often traveled up to 200 miles for commitment hearings. The alternative was for the sheriff to transport the patient to the courthouse, which required that nurses, social service personnel, psychiatrists, and other witnesses from the RTC also appear at the courthouse. The benefits include less travel, less cost, and more productive time.
Patients also have less anxiety when they needn t travel back and forth to hearings.
We have arranged with the RTCs to hold hearings on a particular day and time each month, which allows for more efficiency and less down time for all people participating in the hearing. Domestic Abuse and Harassment ITV allows us to give faster and better service to the unchambered counties of the district. It also gives us the ability to separate the participants, if necessary. We require that a deputy be available at all domestic abuse hearings, which reduces delay in the hearings and enhances the safety of the parties, the judge, and others who may be in attendance. Conciliation or Small Claims Court In Minnesota, conciliation or small claims court is not a court of record.