Colorado Judicial Branch
Problem Solving Courts
Introduction to problem solving courts
Problem-solving courts use the expertise, resources, and commitment of a multidisciplinary team of professionals to holistically respond to individuals struggling with substance use disorders and mental illness. These courts are locally designed and use a collaborative approach to match participants with appropriate levels of supervision, treatment, and support to help them overcome barriers in their journey towards recovery. This webpage has been designed by the PSC Training and Education Subcommittee to provide you with a basic understanding of what problem-solving courts are, how they work, and what you can do to support them.
Problem Solving Court Advisory Committee
The Problem Solving Court Advisory Committee was established by Chief Justice Mullarkey in March of 2008. This Committee was charged with the tasks of addressing compliance to the key components of problem solving courts, staffing models, funding models, program evaluation, and sustainability. The Problem Solving Court Advisory Committee developed a Colorado Problem Solving Courts Best Practices Manual to guide and inform problem solving court operations across the state. The most recent Problem Solving Court Advisory Committee Order signed in 2022 is available here.
The Colorado Problem Solving Court Advisory Committee currently has three subcommittees:
- Training and Education Subcommittee
- Technical Assistance and Program Support (TAPS) Subcommittee
- Juvenile Problem Solving Courts Subcommittee
Training and Education Recommended Resources
The Training and Education Subcommittee, as part of the Colorado Problem Solving Court Advisory Committee, consists of problem solving court professionals from a variety of disciplines. The subcommittee has developed a curriculum and collection of trainings and resources specifically for team members in problem solving courts that is designed to progressively introduce team members to core principles and practices that are essential to specific problem solving court types.
Training and Education Checklist for New Problem-Solving Court Professionals
Adult Drug Court Professional Educational Resources
Family Dependency Treatment Court Professional Educational Resources