Overview
The Office for Justice Initiatives's Problem Solving Justice Division provides guidance and support to judges and non-judicial personnel throughout the New York State Unified Court System, including more than 300 problem-solving and accountability courts. These courts include drug treatment courts, veterans’ treatment courts, family treatment courts, mental health courts, human trafficking intervention courts, domestic violence courts, emerging adult courts, and others. The Problem Solving Justice Division is also responsible for managing the statewide inventory of residential and commercial foreclosure matters.
In connection with these primary areas of oversight, the Problem Solving Justice Division develops and implements best practice standards, reviews ways to streamline court operations and improve case processing, and hosts legal and operational seminars for judges, court employees, and our court partners.
The Problem Solving Justice Division is also frequently called upon to complete special projects on behalf of Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson, Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas, and Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives Edwina G. Richardson. In that regard, the Problem Solving Justice Division has assisted in the implementation of new legislation, represented the Unified Court System at local and national conferences, and participated in numerous committees and commissions addressing criminal justice issues.
To contact the Problem Solving Justice Division, please email [email protected].
Problem Solving Courts
Problem Solving Courts identify the underlying issues that bring people into court and employ innovative approaches to address those issues, while ensuring public safety. Problem-Solving Courts take different forms depending on the issue they are designed to address. Drug Courts, Family Treatment Courts, Mental Health Courts, Opioid Courts and Veteran’s Treatment Court focus on treatment/rehabilitation and Human Trafficking Intervention Courts facilitate access to services. Through intensive judicial monitoring, coordination with outside community services, treatment where appropriate, the removal of barriers between courts and increased communication with stakeholders, Problem-Solving Courts are able to change the way our system manages cases and responds to individuals, families and communities.