The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts is located in Raleigh, N.C. The office provides statewide support services for courts, including information, technology, personnel, financial, legal, research and purchasing. It prepares and administers the court system's budget and employs more than 400 people. The office also publishes newsletters that inform the general public and court employees on various operations and issues. The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts offers access to courts for people with disabilities. Its research and planning unit provides statistical information, analysis, research, evaluation, planning, grant administration and budget development services. The office s sentencing services unit develops sentencing plans, as well as provides opportunities for offenders to change their behavior. The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts is the administrative arm of the judicial branch.