What are Collaborative Courts?

Collaborative Courts are based on a drug court model where a team of professionals including judges, attorneys, law enforcement, probation, case managers, and services providers work together to address specific needs of an individual. Through the use of evidence-based assessment tools and criminogenic needs, these teams are able to determine the needs of an individual and put together individualized treatment plans to ensure they are receiving the appropriate services and treatment. Individuals attend court regularly while receiving treatment to provide progress updates, and with the use of rewards and sanctions they will be guided by their treatment team to ensure any issues or needs are addressed. In addition to treatment, individuals receive the opportunity to receive academic and vocational programming, social services for themselves and their families, housing resources, and more. The goal of the courts is to ensure that individuals receive the necessary tools to become productive members in our communities, to reduce recidivism, and improve public safety.

While there are several Collaborative Courts here in San Joaquin County, the Probation Department has probation officers assigned full-time to four of them, these include Veteran’s Treatment Court, Adult Drug Court, Post Release Compliance Court, and Monitoring Court. The officers assigned to these courts supervise clients who are ordered formal probation and assigned to compliance court. They work hand-in-hand with case managers to ensure their clients are receiving treatment as well as following their conditions of probation. While in court, officers report out on any positive or negative behaviors that the client has displayed. They work with their clients to address personal or family issues, treatment issues, or even educational or employment problems they encounter. The goal of these courts is to allow individuals to remain in the community while they receive services, however when a client fails to comply with court-ordered treatment or their conditions of probation, they may be subject to incarceration for a short period of time before attempting to get them back on track with their treatment.

Upon completing their assigned Compliance Court program, a graduation is held annually at the Bob Hope Theater to recognize the accomplishments of the participants. The individuals wear caps and gowns, as they walk across stage in front of their families, friends, and peers in celebration of their achievements. Post-graduation activities include aftercare plans and mentoring projects.

For more information about the Collaborative Courts, please click here.

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