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Pre-Court Staffing

The treatment court team meets before each court docket for what is referred to as a pre-court staffing. The pre-court staffing is used to discuss those who will be appearing on the docket, their progress and how the court should respond to the individual. Ideally, the team includes the judicial officer, the probation officer, a deputy district attorney, a deputy public defender, substance abuse and mental health treatment providers, case managers, the court coordinator, and any other people essential to the operation of the court. Prior to and during these team staffing meetings, information is exchanged regarding each person on the docket, and the team discusses the participant’s compliance, successes, challenges, and other life circumstances that affect the participant’s progress. Team members work together to fashion a collaborative response to the participant’s compliant or non-compliant behavior. During the court session, participants receive incentives or sanctions based upon their behavior and conduct during the previous two to four weeks. The effectiveness of the treatment court is dependent upon the quality and quantity of information shared by the team, the quality of treatment, the commitment and dedication of the team, the frequent contact with a compassionate but firm judicial officer, the frequent and random use of drug and alcohol testing, and the effective use of incentives and sanctions. Ancillary services such as housing, employment training and assistance, and financial assistance are also important for positive outcomes.

Excerpt from Colorado Problem-Solving Courts Best Practices Manual