Desiree Hermocillo on Leading Colorado’s Problem-Solving Courts

Justice Speaks Podcast #77

In this episode, Justice Speaks continues its series about the role of State Treatment Court Coordinators. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect. In this episode we interview Desiree Hermocillo, Statewide Problem-Solving Court Coordinator for the Colorado Judicial Branch. 

About Desiree Hermocillo

A Colorado native, Ms. Hermocillo brings both a personal and professional connection to the state’s judicial system and shares her compelling journey from higher education to a leadership role within the judiciary. Her transition into the court system was shaped by an unexpected pathway—through her involvement in softball—and has since evolved into a deep commitment to advancing Colorado Problem-Solving Courts.

Colorado Problem-Solving Courts

Ms. Hermocillo begins by outlining her current role, where she leads a team of statewide coordinators responsible for managing the daily operations of Colorado’s problem-solving courts. Her responsibilities include overseeing administrative processes, managing state and federal grants, ensuring effective personnel allocations, and guiding long-term strategic planning. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes how critical strong infrastructure and thoughtful resource management are to the success of these court programs.

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the structure and delivery of training and support services for problem-solving courts in Colorado. Ms. Hermocillo elaborates on how her office provides training, technical assistance, accreditation, and funding to local courts across the state. She also describes the development of a statewide data management system aimed at improving the ability to conduct both local and system-wide evaluations. These evaluations play a crucial role in identifying areas of success and opportunities for improvement within the state’s therapeutic court models.

Collaboration and Funding within Colorado Problem-Solving Courts

Ms. Hermocillo also discusses the broader criminal justice system and the importance of collaboration between problem-solving courts and other intercept points—such as law enforcement, jails, and community-based services—within the Sequential Intercept Model. Ms. Hermocillo explains that understanding these intercepts allows for a more coordinated response to individuals with substance use and mental health disorders, thereby improving outcomes for participants and communities alike.

Funding for Colorado’s problem-solving courts is another critical topic explored in the episode. Ms. Hermocillo details the structure of the Correctional Treatment Fund and the role of the Correctional Treatment Board in allocating resources for treatment services, program operations, and coordinator salaries. This funding model ensures that Colorado’s problem-solving courts have a sustainable foundation for growth and innovation.

The Growth of Wellness Courts

One of the more forward-thinking discussions centers on the rebranding of mental health courts as “wellness courts” in Colorado—a change aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging broader participation and support. Ms. Hermocillo shares that this initiative reflects a statewide effort to evolve language and perception around behavioral health, reinforcing the importance of dignity and respect in all aspects of the court process.

Ms. Hermocillo also identifies ongoing challenges, including limited resources and the need to expand access to mental health and juvenile courts. 

Conclusion

In closing Ms. Hermocillo express her optimistic outlook as she speaks to the potential for continued innovation in competency restoration and behavioral health interventions. Her vision is one of ongoing collaboration, continuous improvement, and a steadfast commitment to public service.

We wish to thank Ms. He for joining us on Justice Speaks.  We also wish to thank Reconnect for sponsoring this podcast episode.