Are Operations Backed by Best Practices in American Problem-Solving Courts?

Area of Science:

• Criminology
• Public Health
• Social Work

Background:

• Problem-solving courts (PSCs) offer evidence-based interventions for rehabilitation and diversion from carceral systems.
• PSCs link participants with community-based support services for issues like mental health and substance use disorders.
• Research supports the efficacy of PSCs in connecting individuals to necessary services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the extent to which American Problem-solving courts (PSCs) adhere to national best practice principles.
• To assess PSC operations against the 10 best practice standards set by All Rise, the professional association for PSCs.

Main Methods:

• The study surveyed 849 local and 42 state Problem-solving court coordinators.
• Data collection focused on PSC operations and the adoption of specific All Rise best practice principles.
• Analysis examined the alignment of PSCs with established evidence-based practices (EBPs).

Main Results:

• Only 4% of surveyed courts adopted eight or more evidence-based practices (EBPs).
• 56% of courts implemented between four and six EBPs.
• PSCs utilizing EBPs featured diversified staff, multiple treatment providers, peer navigators, and validated screening tools.

Conclusions:

• Problem-solving court operations generally incorporate some of the best practices recommended by All Rise.
• There is variability in the adoption of comprehensive evidence-based practices among PSCs.
• PSCs demonstrate a foundational alignment with best practices, with opportunities for further integration.