This episode of Justice Speaks features Judge Alan Blankenship, who shares his journey from CPA to judge and his leadership in Missouri treatment courts. He discusses veterans’ treatment court outcomes, statewide funding, drug testing protocols, mentor court designation, and the future of evidence-based best practices in specialized courts.
Problem-solving courts offer a transformative approach to justice, focusing on rehabilitation instead of punishment. Research from the U.S. and U.K. shows that strong judicial leadership is essential to these courts’ success, fostering trust, improving outcomes, and breaking cycles of addiction and crime through procedural fairness and participant engagement.
In this episode of Justice Speaks, Texas Treatment Court Coordinator Erin Morgan discusses her path into justice work, the creation of data standards for Texas courts, funding innovations like the Ruben Reyes Act, and plans for a statewide case management system, highlighting her pivotal role in advancing specialty courts in Texas.
In this episode of Justice Speaks, Judge Nancy Butts reflects on nearly 30 years on the bench and her pioneering role in Pennsylvania’s treatment courts. From trauma-informed care to national justice reform, she offers powerful insights on leadership, compassion, and the future of probation and community supervision.
In this episode of Justice Speaks, Kamesha Falana shares insights from her 30-year career and her leadership in Wake County's treatment court. Learn how trauma-informed, evidence-based practices, local partnerships, and dedicated funding have made the program a model for supporting individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring challenges.
In this episode of Justice Speaks, Richard Gordon, Iowa’s Statewide Treatment Court Coordinator, shares his career journey, outlines Iowa’s treatment court models, addresses funding challenges, and highlights recent program developments like impaired driving tracks. He emphasizes the need for statewide training, regional partnerships, and rural treatment access to advance evidence-based practices.
In this episode, Judge Lawton Stephens shares his three-decade journey on the bench, offering insights into Georgia’s evolving accountability courts. From launching drug courts to chairing statewide judicial conferences, Judge Stephens discusses the future of treatment courts and the vital role of compassion and structure in criminal justice reform.
This episode of Justice Speaks highlights the leadership journey of Chief Daniel Hernandez of the Orange County Probation Department. From juvenile hall to Chief Officer, he shares insights on probation innovation, early intervention, and the qualities of effective probation officers in today’s justice system.
Judge Robert Anchondo, Texas’ first DWI treatment court pioneer, reflects on his judicial journey, the evolution of impaired driving courts, and the importance of mentorship and systemic support. This insightful conversation explores challenges and innovations in specialty courts across Texas and beyond.
-
Specialty Courts: What the Evidence Actually Shows
Do specialty courts improve public safety and r... -
Words Matter: How Language Shapes Justice in Treatment Courts
Words influence more than conversation—they sha... -
An Effective Framework for Responding to Substance Use Disorders in the Justice System
Substance use disorders affect every part of th...
