Problem-Solving Courts in the 21st Century
Adopted for the 2014–2015 term, this COSCA policy paper revisits the evolution, expansion, and impact of problem-solving courts — more than 15 years after COSCA's first white paper on therapeutic courts. It defines six core elements of a problem-solving court and outlines best practices for expanding access, targeting the right populations, integrating court systems, and ensuring sustainability. Drawing on national data and research, the paper presents a forward-looking framework for using these courts to reduce recidivism, address addiction and behavioral health, and deliver justice through a rehabilitative lens.