100 Problem-Solving Courts

By Kathryn Dolan, Chief Public Information Officer & Sarah Kidwell, Outreach Coordinator | Office of Communication, Education & Outreach

Trial court judges and their partners reached a remarkable milestone on April 8, 2019, with the certification of the 100th Indiana problem-solving court. The notable accomplishment showcases the dedication of judges across the state who are committed to giving litigants a path toward success.

The Milestone

Indiana reached the 100 mark with the certification of a veterans’ treatment court in Pulaski County. Judge Crystal Kocher is proud to have their certification bring Indiana to 100 courts. She explained, “We received grant funding, training opportunities, and encouragement to bring a veterans’ treatment court to our county. It highlights the need and possibilities for rural communities around the state to provide comprehensive services.”
Problem-solving courts specialize in areas including drug, reentry, mental health, veterans, family recovery, and domestic violence. The certified courts seek to promote outcomes that benefit the litigants and their families, victims, and society.

Partnerships

Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush believes the collaboration of problem-solving courts make them unique. “The innovative approach requires pioneering judges to coordinate with numerous resources in their supportive communities to provide intensive services and frequent court appearances for oversight.”
Judge Kocher called the process a team effort in her county and beyond. “We have supportive prosecutors, public defenders, law enforcement, community members, judges, and others from the 99 problem-solving courts already certified.”

Making Headlines

News organizations across the state devoted airtime and ink to the story, including profiling judges and litigants who are part of these courts.
The Republic in Bartholomew County focused on the funding aspect of problem-solving courts. Judges in the county used the opportunity to talk about the grants they’ve received and the money they will continue to seek.
The Evening News and Tribune in southern Indiana identified the regional aspect of the courts noting, “Clark and Floyd counties have been leading the way in for nearly a decade” when it comes to problem-solving courts.
Readers of The Times of Northwest Indiana didn’t have to get past the headline, “Judges take on extra work to give offenders a second chance” to understand problem-solving courts. Eight judges quoted in the story relayed a common feeling: the efforts are worth it because the courts are effective.

Certification

The Indiana Office of Court Services (IOCS) certifies problem-solving courts to ensure that the specialty courts comply with IC 33-23-16, the Judicial Conference of Indiana Problem-Solving Court Rules, and applicable federal regulations. The voluntary certification process includes notification of intent, completing an application with required documentation, and a site visit to the jurisdiction to meet with the local team.
Provisional certification is issued for 6 months and is followed by another site visit to review documentation, meet with team members, attend a court session, and conduct a participant focus group. Certification for up to 3 years may be awarded, according to Jamie Bergacs, who works as the IOCS Justice Services Assistant Administrator. Ms. Bergacs explained, “While the certification process is to review the problem-solving courts’ compliance with the applicable statutes and rules, the goal of the IOCS certification team is also to assist in implementing research-based policies and procedures to enhance the outcomes of problem-solving courts.”

Growth and Success

Dearborn County Judge Jon Cleary, who serves as the Problem-Solving Court Committee Chairperson, says the growth of the problem-solving courts means every judicial district has at least one problem-solving court. He explained, “Making sure these courts are available in all parts of the state is a vital resource to have available for all Hoosier families to begin to heal from the pains of addiction.”
The graduates of problem-solving courts are not just success stories in their own right; their success has a domino effect on their families and communities. Supreme Court Justice Christopher Goff led a Family Recovery Court when he was a trial court judge in Wabash County. He calls the graduation ceremony more than a successful completion of a difficult case. “It is the celebration of lives reclaimed and the anticipation of positive change for generations to come.”

Judges of the 100 courts

As of April 8, there were 93 judicial officers working with the 100 certified problem-solving courts in 50 counties:

More information about problem-solving courts, including a directory, can be found at courts.in.gov/iocs/2330.htm.