More than $16 million awarded to problem-solving courts statewide

The Michigan Supreme Court announced on Wednesday that the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) has awarded $16.8 million in grants to courts statewide to fund the operation of problem-solving court (PSC) programs, including mental health, drug and sobriety and veterans treatment. Data have consistently shown that these specialized courts contribute to less repeat crime, lower unemployment rates, and improved quality of life of graduates.

“Michigan problem-solving courts have a proven track record of holding participants accountable, while also extending a helping hand,” said Justice Elizabeth T. Clement, who serves as the MSC liaison to problem-solving courts. “Funding these life-changing programs is a huge win for the entire state because they bring courts and community together to achieve the common goals of stronger families, safer neighborhoods, and smarter justice.”

Grant totals for Fiscal Year 2021 by court type:

  • Drug/Sobriety Courts $10,513,192
  • Mental Health Courts $5,281,269
  • Veterans Treatment Courts $1,036,400

Key findings in FY 2019 PSC Annual Report:

  • Adult drug court graduates are more than two times less likely to be convicted of a new offense within three years of admission to a program.

  • Adult mental health court graduates were about two times less likely to be convicted of a new offense within three years.

  • Unemployment dropped dramatically among all PSC graduates (by 98 percent for adult drug court graduates and by 87 percent for veterans treatment courts graduates, for example).

  • Nearly 100 percent of all mental health court graduates reported an improvement in their mental health status and in their quality of life upon completing a program.

  • Michigan remains a national leader with 27 veterans treatment courts.

Problem-solving courts are nontraditional programs that focus on nonviolent offenders whose underlying social and medical problems have contributed to recurring involvement with the criminal justice system. In addition to funding, SCAO also provides these courts with operational support and resources, guidance on state certification, and training.

For additional information about PSC grants, visit https://courts.michigan.gov/Administration/admin/op/problem-solving-courts/Pages/Grants-and-Funding.aspx.

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