Office of Problem-Solving Courts

The Office of Problem-Solving Courts (OPSC) provides support to problem-solving courts through technical assistance, 培训, data collection and analysis, 研究, policy development, legislative analysis, and technology to support case management. 

BACKGROUND

In 1989, Florida started the national problem-solving court movement by creating the first drug court in the United States in Miami-Dade County. Other types of problem-solving court dockets subsequently followed, using the drug court model, and were implemented to assist individuals with a range of problems such as drug addiction, 精神疾病, domestic violence, child abuse/neglect, and homelessness.

DEFINING ELEMENTS

Problem-solving courts offer a specialized court docket and include, but are not limited to, the following elements:

  • Problem-solving team. A broad-based team of justice system stakeholders including judges, 情况下经理, 检察官, defense attorneys, treatment professionals, law enforcement officers, corrections personnel, and guardians ad litem.
  • Non-adversarial approach. A commitment to offering alternatives to the traditional adversarial litigation process.
  • Continuum of 个性化的 treatment services. An array of evidence-based services designed to identify and meet the unique needs of each participant.
  • Judicial leadership and interaction. A judge who leads the problem-solving team and monitors the court case using an increased number of hearings for monitoring compliance and progress.
  • Responses to participant compliance. The use of graduated, 个性化的, and coordinated responses, both for incentives and sanctions, to promote both public safety and the participants’ success.

Each problem-solving court type is unique. A side-by-side glance of the core components of the six most prevalent types of problem-solving courts in Florida can be found here: Problem-Solving Courts Core ComponentsPDF下载

Plot; Plan; Map

Problem-Solving Court Month and Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorder Awareness Month

The Florida State Court System proclaims May 2024 as a month of recognition of the contributions made by problem-solving courts in meeting the challenges of substance use and mental disorders and as a month of awareness regarding opioid and stimulant use disorder. You may view the Supreme Court of Florida ProclamationPDF下载 signed by Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz and the State of Florida ResolutionPDF下载 signed by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet, recognizing May 2024 as Problem-Solving Court Month and Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorder Awareness Month.

Last Modified: May 02, 2024