The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice and the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts have launched an application process for two grant initiatives and to begin an expansion of the network of court personnel who assist self-represented litigants (SRLs). The application process for both grant initiatives is open now through June 21, 2022.

 The first grant initiative is for the development and implementation of an Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) program. ODR uses technology to facilitate the resolution of disputes usually between parties who are self-represented. ODR may be suitable for resolving a wide range of disputes including consumer, traffic, marital, or familial type relationships, and small claims. Through an application process, the grants will provide modest funds for ODR proposals which meet all relevant requirements.  

The second grant opportunity relates to the Self-Represented Litigant Coordinator (Coordinator) program. Over the past five years, Coordinators have used grant funds to develop a range of innovative projects from repurposing courthouse space for help desks and improving signage materials to creating early resolution programs that resolve divorce cases more quickly or partnering with legal aid agencies for courthouse-based help desks. The Coordinator grants will be awarded through an application procedure.  

View both Requests for Proposals. 

Even if a grant is not awarded or requested, a designated staff member may participate in the Court Navigator Network (Network) which will include Coordinators and Illinois JusticeCorps members. Network members serve as a bridge, linking their courthouses with others throughout the state to share ideas, develop new resources, and establish programs for assisting SRLs. See the SRL Coordinator RFP for more information about joining the Network.