Problem Solving Courts
Background
The establishment of problem-solving courts in the State of Utah is part of a collaborative approach with an individualized plan for each participant. Courts have observed that the same offenders appear in their courts time and time again. It seemed as if traditional methods of dealing with certain afflictions, such as through strict probation or mandatory imprisonment did not correct the fundamental problem.
Drug courts work by recognizing that unless substance abuse ends, fines and jail time are unlikely to prevent future criminal activity. Consequently, drug courts, through frequent testing and court supervision, focus upon eliminating drug addiction as a long- term solution to crime.
Since the first drug court in Utah was established in Third District Court (Salt Lake) in 1996, the program has spread quickly. There are an estimated 700-800 participants statewide and hundreds of successful graduates.
Although a number of drug courts exist within the State of Utah, all programs have incorporated a set of ten components created by the United States Department of Justice. These guidelines establish structural components across drug courts while each jurisdiction independently handles matters such as treatment providers and participatory restrictions.
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs Key Components
Key Component #1 Drug courts integrate alcohol and other drug treatment services with justice system case processing.
Key Component #2 Using a non-adversarial approach, prosecution and defense counsel promote public safety while protecting participants' due process rights.
Key Component #3 Eligible participants are identified early and promptly placed in the drug court program.
Key Component #4 Drug courts provide access to a continuum of alcohol, drug, and other related treatment and rehabilitation services.
Key Component #5 Abstinence is monitored by frequent alcohol and other drug testing.
Key Component #6 A coordinated strategy governs drug court responses to participants' compliance.
Key Component #7 Ongoing judicial interaction with each drug court participant is essential.
Key Component #8 Monitoring and evaluation measure the achievement of program goals and gauge effectiveness.
Key Component #9 Continuing interdisciplinary education promotes effective drug court planning, implementation, and operations.
Key Component #10 Forging partnerships among drug courts, public agencies, and community-based organizations generates local support and enhances drug court program effectiveness.
Mental health courts were created to assist those convicted of a crime who need a more streamlined approach.
DUI courts only recently were added to the problem-solving courts roster. These courts are specific to repeat offenders.
Veteran's drug court provides United States Veteran's with an opportunity to improve their lives through a dedicated team of experts.
Whether adult or juvenile, these problem-solving courts reach the heart of the issue using techniques specifically fit to those needs. The Utah State Courts are committed to the improvement of the way of life for those who walk through our doors.
Problem-Solving Courts
| First District Court | |
|---|---|
| Adult Drug Court Locations | Logan & Brigham |
| Adult Mental Health Court Locations | Logan & Brigham |
| Juvenile Mental Health Court Locations | Logan & Brigham |
| Second District Court | |
| Adult Drug Court Locations | Farmington & Ogden |
| Adult Mental Health Court Locations | Farmington & Ogden |
| Juvenile Family Dependency Drug Court Locations | Farmington & Ogden |
| Juvenile Drug Court Locations | Ogden |
| Third District Court | |
| Adult Drug Court Locations | Salt Lake City, Park City, & Tooele |
| Adult Mental Health Court Locations | Salt Lake City & West Valley |
| Juvenile Family Dependency Drug Court Locations | Salt Lake City & West Jordan |
| Juvenile Drug Court Locations | Salt Lake City |
| Juvenile Mental Health Court Locations | Salt Lake City |
| Veteran’s Drug Court Locations | Salt Lake City |
| Fourth District Court | |
| Adult Drug Court Locations | Nephi, Fillmore, Provo & Heber |
| Adult Mental Health Court Locations | Provo |
| Juvenile Family Dependency Drug Court Locations | American Fork, Provo & Spanish Fork |
| Juvenile Drug Court Locations | Provo |
| Veteran’s Drug Court Locations | Provo |
| Fifth District Court | |
| Adult Drug Court Locations | Cedar City & St. George |
| Adult Mental Health Court Locations | Cedar City & St. George |
| Juvenile Family Dependency Drug Court Locations | St. George |
| Sixth District Court | |
| Adult Drug Court Locations | Kanab, Manti & Richfield |
| Adult Mental Health Court Locations | Richfield |
| Seventh District Court | |
| Adult Drug Court Locations | Price, Castle Dale, Moab & Monticello |
| Adult Mental Health Court Locations | Carbon County & Emery County |
| Juvenile Family Dependency Drug Court Locations | Price & Moab |
| Eighth District Court | |
| Adult Drug Court Locations | Vernal |
Forms for Court Use Only
- Problem Solving Court Introduction and Application Instructions -
- Problem Solving Court Application Form -
Problem Solving Courts Checklists
- Utah Adult DUI Court Certification Checklist - |
- Utah Adult Drug Court Certification Checklist - |
- Utah Juvenile Drug Court Certification Checklist - |
- Utah Family Dependency Court Certification Checklist - |
- Utah Mental Health Court Certification Checklist - |
- Utah Veteran Veterans Court Certification Checklist - |