Problem Solving Courts

Over the past decade, a new trend has emerged as a mechanism to deliver justice and forge new responses to chronic social, human, and legal problems – including addictions, recidivism (re-incarceration), mental illness, and poor connectedness to social services – issues proven resistant to conventional solutions. These problems, exacerbated by state-level concerns such as prison population overcrowding, have caused courts to react and establish new court systems—called “Problem-Solving Courts” (PSCs)—specifically designed to enhance the court’s ability to oversee outcomes beyond adjudication, and ultimately reduce the risk of re-incarceration.

Simply put, PSCs are specific courts within the criminal justice system that seek to address the underlying problems contributing to certain criminal offenses and promote outcomes that not only assist justice-involved individuals and their families but provide meaningful reparation for victims and the overall betterment and safety of the community. Through proper assessment, individualized case plans are collaboratively developed by the Problem-Solving Court Judge and a team of community partners and deployed utilizing evidenced-based practices that have shown promising results. From there, the collaborative “PSC team” closely monitors the PSC program participant’s compliance, while imposing appropriate sanctions when necessary. As PSC participants demonstrate stability and attainment of supervision objectives, the Allen County judiciary realizes a gradual decrease in supervision restrictions. Conversely, the Allen County judiciary may utilize various placement options in order to create a continuum of supervision with graduated increases in restrictions—as an orchestrated effort to best supervise offenders in the community prior to placing offenders in Allen County Jail or Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC).

ACCC operates Allen Superior—certified by the Indiana Office of Court Services, through the Indiana Supreme Court, and enlists a myriad of community partners to achieve success. The PSC programs undergo regular State review for demonstrative compliance to stringent guidelines and requirements of operational features, participant services, and fidelity to desired outcomes.

For important forms and documents pertaining to Problem-Solving Courts, click here.