Overview

Problem-solving courts are innovative criminal justice programs that seek rehabilitation over incarceration. The foundation of problem-solving courts is close collaboration between agencies in a non-adversarial approach. The programs focus on accountability and responsibility by requiring frequent court appearances, random drug and alcohol testing, community supervision, and an individualized treatment plan along with other specific program requirements. The teams utilize timely incentives and sanctions to facilitate behavior change along with treatment responses. 

History

The first drug court was started in an effort to address the problem of over-incarceration, and began sentencing drug-addicted offenders to drug court versus jail or prison.  Today, there are over 3,800 problem-solving courts across all 50 states.  The first drug court in Colorado began in Denver in 1994. As of June 2022, there are 69 problem-solving courts in operation in 20 judicial districts in the State of Colorado. The 1st Judicial District currently has four problem solving courts: Recovery Court (adult drug court), a Veterans Treatment Court, Behavioral Health Court, and FIT Court (family integrated treatment court).  

In order to ensure the 1st Judicial District's problem-solving courts operate efficiently and effectively for participants and the community, the following standards are set forth by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) and the State of Colorado.

• Best Practice Standards

Click on the links below for more information on the 1st Judicial District's problem solving courts:

Recovery Court (Adult Drug Court)
FIT (Family Integrated Treatment Court)
Behavioral Health Court
Veterans Treatment Court

The 1st Judicial District's Problem Solving Courts are supported by the non-profit Court Support Jeffco. Clink the link below to learn more.

Court Support Jeffco

RESOURCES available