Thirty-three years of operational research on problem solving courts demonstrates that they are effective at reducing recidivism among justice involved populations who are likely to be arrested and have behavior health issues. Prior and concurrent research on individuals with frequent contact in the justice system led to the development of the Risk Need Responsivity or RNR model. JSI Vice President Chief Mack Jenkins (Ret.) will describe how the principles of the RNR model can be incorporated into the operation of treatment courts to improve changes to behavior and reduce recidivism among their populations.

Since the development of the treatment court model in 1989, abundant research has been conducted on the courts themselves and on the populations served in the courts. There has been specific research on factors associated with criminal conduct, criminal recidivism, and effective interventions. Research shows that treatment courts can positively impact recidivism and facilitate behavior change when employing research supported practices with fidelity. This session will review those practices and present practical steps for their implementation in a treatment/Recovery court context. JSI Vice President Chief Mack Jenkins (Ret.) will cover case planning, working with treatment, responding to behaviors and utilizing community resources.

JSI Vice President Chief Cynthia Herriott (Ret.) will offer a comprehensive overview of the essential components needed to establish a Mental Health Court. Participants will learn about best practices for court design, stakeholder engagement, and tailored mental health interventions. The program also covers strategies for addressing the unique challenges that arise in creating a successful, sustainable court system to support individuals with mental health disorders within the justice system.

A significant percentage of accountability court populations suffer from either substance use disorder, mental illness or both. Since the inception of accountability courts in 1989 significant research has been completed on how to better serve individuals in the justice system who suffer from behavioral health issues. That research has been incorporated into the field in the form of interventions, and practices designed to support sobriety and recovery. In particular the informs competencies supervision officers should have practices that should be employed to increase the likelihood of achieving positive outcomes. JSI Vice President Chief Mack Jenkins (Ret.) will cover those competencies and identify best practices supervision officers. Among those practices will be how to work closely with treatment clinicians.

Bias in the admissions process can undermine the fairness and effectiveness of treatment courts, limiting access for marginalized populations. JSI Vice President Chief Cynthia Herriott (Ret.) will examine strategies to identify and address implicit bias during participant selection and admissions. Attendees will explore how systemic inequities impact access to treatment courts and learn practical methods to create more equitable admission criteria. By fostering fairness and inclusion, treatment courts can better serve diverse populations and promote long-term success for all participants.

Law enforcement and courts often find themselves at odds while both share a similar goal – justice. Don’t let organizational issues prevent your department from achieving the best outcomes. Steps can be taken to increase trust and confidence between law enforcement and the courts through enhanced communication that require only slight changes in each culture. JSI Vice President Chief Cynthia Herriott (Ret.) will provide ten tips to enable your department to better interact with your treatment court.

Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs) rely on the invaluable support of volunteer mentors to guide participants through the program and offer a unique peer perspective. However, the mentor role comes with distinct ethical challenges that can impact the success of the court and the well-being of participants. JSI Co-President Judge Brian MacKenzie (Ret.) examines the key ethical issues mentors face, such as maintaining appropriate boundaries, protecting participant confidentiality, and managing dual relationships. Additionally, it explores the responsibilities of VTC judges in fostering ethical mentor practices and creating clear expectations.

Fidelity to the Drug Treatment Court model is vital for optimum outcomes. So having a clear understanding of each of the Key Components will ensure adherence to the model. During this breakout session, JSI Associate Judge Michael Haley (Ret.) will show how the 10 Key Components provide the technical and practical framework for an effective Treatment Court.