Problem Solving Courts
Problem solving courts represent a shift in the way the justice system traditionally handles offenders with issues involving substance abuse, mental health or other behavioral health issues. The goal of these courts is to achieve long-term quality recovery and prevent repeat criminal behavior.
The nation's first problem solving court was in 1989, with the establishment of the first drug court in Miami, Florida. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency's involvement and support of problem solving courts began in 1999, with the funding of the first drug treatment court in Philadelphia. Since that time, PCCD, through its Office of Criminal Justice System Improvements, has provided financial and technical support to nearly two dozen problem solving courts, including Drug, DUI and Mental Health courts statewide.
In 2005, PCCD sponsored the first Treatment Court Symposium in Pennsylvania. PCCD also provided assistance to drug court practitioners with a number of training and educational opportunities, which eventually led to the formation of the Pennsylvania Association of Drug Court Professionals. In 2006, PCCD awarded a grant to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) to provide interdisciplinary training to the existing and emerging drug treatment courts in Pennsylvania.
Many jurisdictions nationwide have implemented problem solving courts to address a variety of social issues that have emerged in the traditional court system, including homelessness, drug addiction and domestic violence. All 50 state-court chief justices and court administrators have endorsed the further expansion of problem solving justice, as has the American Bar Association. These courts also operate or are being planned in other countries, including Canada, Scotland, New Zealand, South Africa and Ireland.
Court personnel work with prosecutors, public defenders, probation officers, social workers and other justice system partners to develop strategies to provide positive reinforcement for offenders who successfully complete a treatment program and abstain from repeating the behaviors that brought them to court. Each problem-solving court effectively targets offender groups with appropriate levels of supervision and treatment.
Drug Courts
Adult Drug Courts
DUI Courts
Family Drug Courts
Juvenile Drug Courts
Mental Health Courts
Adult Mental Health Courts
Juvenile Mental Health Courts
Other Problem Solving Courts
Job Courts
Reentry Courts
Veterans Courts
Pennsylvania Maps of Problem Solving Courts
Impact/Performance Measures
Conferences and Symposiums
Publications/Resources
Points of Contact
