A Conversation with Gray Barton, Director of Problem-Solving Courts for Maryland

In this episode of Justice Speaks, we continue our series of interviews with State Drug Court Coordinators. Our focus in this edition is Mr. Gray Barton, the Director of Problem-Solving Courts for the state of Maryland. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect. 

It Takes a Family

Mr. Barton shares that his involvement with Drug Courts began in 1999. Previously a treatment provider, he recognized a significant gap between treatment, reports, and probation, propelling him into the realm of Treatment Courts in Ohio. Taking a position with the new misdemeanor Drug Courts, Mr. Barton reached out to established Drug Courts in Ohio, seeking insights to shape their approach. He admits his time in Ohio has led him to be a Buckeyes football fan.  

After 21 years in Ohio, Mr. Barton found himself wishing to be closer to his parents and extended family in Maryland.  He began looking for work and found a position as the state Treatment Court Coordinator. While the career move was a significant one, Mr. Barton emphasizes that family proximity was the primary influence in his move. This familial pull has contributed to his enduring commitment to Maryland.

Educating Legislators and Teams about Problem-Solving Courts

While describing the multifaceted nature of his job, Mr. Barton explains how he manages over $8 million in grant funds. He discusses how his team allocates resources to local jurisdictions and also actively engages in advocacy and education with legislators, stressing the importance of face-to-face interactions during the brief nine-day legislative session. Mr. Barton highlights the significance of personal engagement thought-out the state of Maryland.

He then talks about how training and educating treatment teams throughout the year is another crucial aspect of the work. He notes the absence of a state association makes his team the de facto support system for Treatment Courts in Maryland. He discusses the challenges of adapting to virtual conferences during the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing relief at their unexpected success.

The discussion moves on to the growth and importance of Maryland’s Treatment Courts. Mr. Barton details the recent transition of the annual conference to virtual platforms, expressing gratitude for collaborative efforts with neighboring states like Delaware and Washington DC.

Being Proactive

Stressing the value of in-person interactions, Mr. Barton notes that they encourage more engagement and fewer post-presentation email inquiries. He shares his proactive response to the pandemic, which involved implementing weekly phone conferences and transitioning to Zoom meetings for diverse training approaches.

Returning to Mr. Barton’s role, he explains the complexities of securing funding for Treatment Courts. While relying on state appropriations, he highlights diverse funding sources, including federal grants and local contributions that support Maryland’s Problem-Solving Courts.

The conversation touches on the evolving nature of Treatment Courts, with Mr. Barton emphasizing continual growth and education. He details a recent self-assessment initiative and the implementation of a dashboard to monitor best practices, fostering healthy competition among Treatment Courts.

A Closing Note of Thanks

As the interview concludes, Mr. Barton reflects on his proudest accomplishments, attributing success to the dedication of local teams. He emphasizes the transformative impact Treatment Courts have on individuals and expresses optimism for the future. Mr. Barton’s journey, marked by resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence, stands as a testament to the enduring success of Maryland’s Problem-Solving Courts.

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

Additional Resource

You can watch this interview by going to the Justice Speakers Institutes’ YouTube Channel or by clicking here.