Colorado Celebrates Treatment Court Month: Honoring the Impact of Problem-Solving Courts Across the State
DENVER– The Colorado
Judicial Department is proud to recognize May as Treatment Court Month, joining
communities nationwide to celebrate the life-changing work of Problem-Solving
Courts. These innovative courts, including Adult Drug Courts, Juvenile Treatment
Courts, DUI Courts, Wellness Courts, Veterans Treatment Courts, and Family
Treatment Courts, are transforming the justice system by addressing the root
causes of criminal justice involvement through a collaborative,
treatment-focused approach.
Throughout the month
of May, Colorado’s Problem-Solving Courts will celebrate Treatment Court Month
with team member recognition events, community engagement activities, and
highlighting participant and alumni stories that remind us of the courage it
takes to change and the community it takes to support that change.
Since the
establishment of Colorado’s first Problem-Solving Court, the state has expanded
to support 70 problem-solving courts across 20 judicial districts. These courts
bring together judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, probation officers,
treatment providers, child welfare agencies, and community partners to support
individuals on their journey of recovery, rehabilitation, and accountability.
Problem-Solving
Courts are a powerful example of how justice and compassion can work together.
They provide structure, support, and access to treatment for individuals
struggling with substance use and mental health challenges, and they continue
to improve lives, strengthen families, and enhance public safety across
Colorado.
Research shows that
treatment courts significantly reduce recidivism and substance use, improve
family reunification outcomes, and save taxpayer dollars by reducing
incarceration costs. Most importantly, they offer participants the opportunity
to rebuild their lives.
That opportunity is
captured in the words of Colorado Problem-Solving Court alumni, whose stories
speak to the power of recovery, resilience, and transformation:
One graduate
reflected on the transformation that began with just one small step:
“I graduated Larimer
County Drug Court in January of 2020. I was addicted to meth and opiates. I
wanted to get better but didn’t know how. Drug court helped me—bit by bit. I
got clean, found a job, and learned how to live a life of not just sobriety but
in recovery.”
Another shared the
resilience they found through accountability and support:
“Drug court saved my
life. I lost everything except my life. Drug court taught me a new way to live,
with structure, accountability, and daily purpose. Today, I’ve been sober for
four years, got married (to a fellow graduate), and just bought a house. This
is the happiest I’ve ever been.”
About Colorado
Problem-Solving Courts:
Colorado’s
Problem-Solving Courts are dockets within the state’s judicial system that
provide treatment and intensive supervision for individuals with behavioral
health challenges. Grounded in research, guided by evidence-based practices,
and supported by a multidisciplinary team approach, these courts offer
participants a path toward stability, healing, and lasting change.
For more information
on Colorado’s Problem-Solving Courts or to learn how to support this work,
visit: https://cjpu.colorado.gov/problem-solving-courts
