Robo Call - Santa Clara Superior Court

Overview/Program Description:

The court has implemented a robo call automated system for self-represented litigants (SRL) who have hearings set on the Case Status Conference Calendar. The court's technology sends an automated reminder call one week prior to the SRL's scheduled hearing date. The purpose of the reminder is to cut down on the very high number of no-shows for these hearings. The court is able to leave the message in English or Spanish. One unexpected consequence was that the court began receiving an influx of calls to the family clerk's office from parties who received the robo call. The court has attempted to reduce these calls by updating the automated message to direct the parties to the court's website where they can look up their cases and hearing date information without calling the court.

Program Benefits/Savings:

At this time the court has been able to realize a 73 percent increase in the number of SRLs appearing for hearings since implementation. As more SRL phone numbers are added to the case management system, this successful outcome is likely to improve.

Other Courts Using Similar Programs:

• Orange Superior Court