The Detroit Legal News recently published an op-ed by research scholar Meghan M. O’Neil focused on the use of online dispute resolution (ODR) to remove barriers to recovery.
Removing Barriers to Recovery: Community Partnering for Innovative Solutions
While a pre-doctoral fellow at the University of Michigan Law School, Meghan researched how online court platforms increased access to justice for individuals facing significant hurdles in “going to court.”
“By implementing this online software and its ability to resolve court appearances in an alternative way, the courts were successful in getting the needy litigants into compliance, collecting fines and vacating warrants–many of which had to do with minor unpaid fines and fees.”
Meghan M. O’Neil, Detroit Legal News – February 18, 2019
Furthermore, Meghan consulted with her mentor, University of Michigan Law Professor and Matterhorn founder J.J. Prescott, on how online court platforms could assist individuals seeking recovery from substance abuse.
These efforts and discussions with local judges and treatment centers eventually led to a collaboration between seven courts in Washtenaw County, Michigan and nonprofits in the recovery community to ease barriers to recovery with online dispute resolution (ODR). Technology in the form of ODR allows individuals in recovery to search for and resolve open legal issues.
“Ultimately, by clearing up unresolved legal issues, we have every expectation this intervention will clear hurdles that may otherwise limit people from completing treatment, accessing jobs and housing and reuniting with families.”
Meghan M. O’Neil, Detroit Legal News – February 18, 2019
Live Webinar: Court, Community, and Tech Partners – Remove Barriers to Recovery with ODR
Furthermore, please join us on March 13, 2019 at 2PM ET for a live webinar on removing barriers to recovery with ODR.
Learn More
- Read the full story on Detroit Legal News
- Learn more about the initiative
- Learn more about ODR with Matterhorn