What are therapeutic courts?
Therapeutic Courts
Therapeutic Courts are specialized courts that that give the opportunity for a participant to engage in a closely monitored program to address the reasons for their involvement in the criminal justice system as a way to build lasting whole person health and recovery, with the goal of having their charges dismissed and avoiding further involvement with the criminal legal system.
Therapeutic courts are comprised of interdisciplinary teams led by a judge who work collaboratively to support and provide supervision to participants through behavioral health challenges that contribute to their court involvement. There are many therapeutic court types and each one specializes in supporting participants through social and behavioral health services designed to address their individual needs.
Drug Courts
Drug Courts are for individuals charged with a crime whose substance use disorder played a role in their involvement in the criminal legal system
Mental Health Courts
Mental Health Courts are for individuals charged with a crime whose serious mental illness played a role in their involvement in the criminal legal system
DUI Courts
DUI Courts are for individuals who face repeat DUI (driving under the influence) charges.
Veterans Therapeutic Courts
Veterans Therapeutic Courts are for services members who are involved in the criminal legal system as a result of the complex issues that they live with due to their veteran status.
Community Courts
Community Courts are generally a municipal level court and focus on individuals charged with a crime whose behavioral health and life circumstances played a role in their involvement in the criminal legal system. Community Courts goal is to intervene and support participants so that they do not escalate to more serious crime.
Tribal Healing to Wellness Courts
Tribal Healing to Wellness Courts are for tribal members charged with a crime whose behavioral health played a role in their involvement in the criminal legal or child dependency system. They use a combination of behavioral health treatment and traditional/spiritual practices to support participants
Juvenile Therapeutic Courts
Juvenile Therapeutic Courts are for youth charged with a crime whose substance use or mental health disorder played a role in their involvement in the juvenile justice system.
Family Therapeutic Courts
Family Therapeutic Courts are for individuals/families who are engaged in the dependency system due to their substance use or mental health disorder
Early Childhood Courts/Safe Babies Courts
Early Childhood Courts/Safe Babies Courts are focused on individuals/families with children in the birth to 5 years range and who are engaged in the dependency system
Human Trafficking Courts
Human Trafficking Courts Consider the needs of this special population as victim-defendant and link them with services to prevent further trafficking
