Recognizing the need for an alternative to prosecution, incarceration or family dependency issues, for persons with behavioral or substance use disorders, the Fifth Circuit has several Problem-Solving Court Programs. Modeled after nationally recognized drug courts as well as other alternative courts, it offers a continuum of treatment alternatives, education, and access to other social service needs. The court proceedings are unique in that they have a non-adversarial approach with a dedicated Judge or Magistrate who oversees each participant’s progress and holds them accountable for their actions while receiving recommended evidence-based treatment and other needed services.

Problem Solving Courts assure participants receive court-supervised, comprehensive evidence-based treatment for eligible non-violent, legally qualified defendants.
These voluntary programs require numerous appearances before a judge or magistrate, dedicated to Problem Solving Court.  Participants attend recommended treatment, frequent & random drug testing, and other individualized requirements to promote recovery and resilience for each participant and their positive support system. Problem Solving Courts exist to provide participants with the opportunity to become productive members of the community while assuring public safety and reducing recidivism in a cost-efficient manner.