Suzanne M. Strong, Ph.D., Ramona R. Rantala, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Tracey Kyckelhahn, Ph.D., Former BJS Statistician. September 15, 2016. NCJ 249803

“Describes type, location, and characteristics of all known problem-solving courts in 2012. Types of problem-solving courts include drug, mental health, family, youth specialty, hybrid DWI/drug, DWI, domestic violence, veterans, tribal wellness, and other specialty courts. The report presents information on various aspects of problem-solving courts, such as funding sources, disqualifying offenses, points of entry, status hearings, services, and benefits to participants. It also examines differences between adult and juvenile drug and mental health courts. Data are from the 2012 Census of Problem-Solving Courts.

Highlights:

• In 2012, 65% of all problem-solving courts accepted cases after the defendant entered a guilty plea.
• More than half (56%) of problem-solving courts in 2012 did not accept applicants with a history of violent crime and nearly two-thirds (65%) did not accept applicants with a history of sex offenses.
• In 38% of veterans courts and 11% of domestic violence courts, applicants with a history of violent crime were ineligible.
• Fifty-three percent of all problem-solving courts active in 2012 were established prior to 2005.
• Most veterans courts (55%) were established between 2011 and 2012.”