The State Court Administrative Office has announced that grants totalling $18,491,203 have been awarded to problem-solving court (PSC) programs statewide for Fiscal Year 2026.
With the observance of Veterans Day this week, officials noted the awards included more than $1 million to help fund 30 veterans treatment courts across Michigan.
Justice Noah P. Hood, who serves as one of the court’s co-liaisons to PSCs, formerly presided over Wayne County Circuit Court’s Veterans Treatment Court.
“Veterans Day reminds us of our duty to support those who have served, and veterans treatment courts are one of the most meaningful ways we can fulfill that promise,” he said. “Problem-solving courts so powerfully exemplify how our justice system can be both compassionate and effective, and we thank legislators for the continued funding that is essential to these life-changing programs.”
“As someone who has spent my career advocating for inclusion and accessibility, I deeply value how problem-solving courts honor the whole person, not just the case,” said Justice Richard H. Bernstein, who also serves as a co-liaison to PSCs. “When we invest in these programs, we are making a commitment to helping our own friends and neighbors and strengthening communities across Michigan.”
Data show PSCs are successful in lowering crime and unemployment rates, according to court officials, and improving the quality of life of graduates.
PSC grant totals and recipients by court type:
• Veterans Treatment Courts $1,064,216
• Drug Courts $11,411,051
• Family Treatment Courts $656,535
• Mental Health Courts $5,359,401
When military veterans become involved in the justice system, officials note veterans treatment courts provide them with the type of structured environment that is already ingrained in military personnel, treatment to address their underlying issues (substance use disorder, mental illness, trauma), and mentoring from volunteer veterans.
These programs connect vets with services and resources from various community, state, and federal agencies — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare networks, Veterans Benefits Administration, and other veteran support organizations.
Vet courts represent one way the judiciary can give back to those who have given so much to our country through sacrifice and, too often, suffering.
Data show year after year that PSCs are successful in lowering crime and unemployment rates, and improving the quality of life of graduates.
Key findings in the FY 2024 PSC Annual Report:
• Unemployment among VTC graduates dropped by 92 percent.
• Graduates of adult drug court programs were, on average, 3 times less likely to be convicted of a new offense within three years of admission to a program
• Graduates of sobriety court programs were, on average, 5 times less likely to be convicted of a new offense within three years of admission to a program.
• Unemployment dropped by 84 percent among adult drug court graduates.
• Adult circuit mental health court (MHC) graduates were on average more than 2 times less likely to commit another crime within three years of admission to a program.
• MHC graduates showed a 99 percent improvement in their overall mental health and a 99 percent improvement in their quality of life following completion of a program.
Problem-solving courts are programs that focus on nonviolent offenders whose underlying issues, such as a substance use disorder or mental health diagnosis, have contributed to recurring involvement with the criminal justice system.
In addition to funding, SCAO also provides these courts with operational support and resources, state certification, and training.
With the observance of Veterans Day this week, officials noted the awards included more than $1 million to help fund 30 veterans treatment courts across Michigan.
Justice Noah P. Hood, who serves as one of the court’s co-liaisons to PSCs, formerly presided over Wayne County Circuit Court’s Veterans Treatment Court.
“Veterans Day reminds us of our duty to support those who have served, and veterans treatment courts are one of the most meaningful ways we can fulfill that promise,” he said. “Problem-solving courts so powerfully exemplify how our justice system can be both compassionate and effective, and we thank legislators for the continued funding that is essential to these life-changing programs.”
“As someone who has spent my career advocating for inclusion and accessibility, I deeply value how problem-solving courts honor the whole person, not just the case,” said Justice Richard H. Bernstein, who also serves as a co-liaison to PSCs. “When we invest in these programs, we are making a commitment to helping our own friends and neighbors and strengthening communities across Michigan.”
Data show PSCs are successful in lowering crime and unemployment rates, according to court officials, and improving the quality of life of graduates.
PSC grant totals and recipients by court type:
• Veterans Treatment Courts $1,064,216
• Drug Courts $11,411,051
• Family Treatment Courts $656,535
• Mental Health Courts $5,359,401
When military veterans become involved in the justice system, officials note veterans treatment courts provide them with the type of structured environment that is already ingrained in military personnel, treatment to address their underlying issues (substance use disorder, mental illness, trauma), and mentoring from volunteer veterans.
These programs connect vets with services and resources from various community, state, and federal agencies — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare networks, Veterans Benefits Administration, and other veteran support organizations.
Vet courts represent one way the judiciary can give back to those who have given so much to our country through sacrifice and, too often, suffering.
Data show year after year that PSCs are successful in lowering crime and unemployment rates, and improving the quality of life of graduates.
Key findings in the FY 2024 PSC Annual Report:
• Unemployment among VTC graduates dropped by 92 percent.
• Graduates of adult drug court programs were, on average, 3 times less likely to be convicted of a new offense within three years of admission to a program
• Graduates of sobriety court programs were, on average, 5 times less likely to be convicted of a new offense within three years of admission to a program.
• Unemployment dropped by 84 percent among adult drug court graduates.
• Adult circuit mental health court (MHC) graduates were on average more than 2 times less likely to commit another crime within three years of admission to a program.
• MHC graduates showed a 99 percent improvement in their overall mental health and a 99 percent improvement in their quality of life following completion of a program.
Problem-solving courts are programs that focus on nonviolent offenders whose underlying issues, such as a substance use disorder or mental health diagnosis, have contributed to recurring involvement with the criminal justice system.
In addition to funding, SCAO also provides these courts with operational support and resources, state certification, and training.
