Judicial Conference Committee

1. Vision

The Problem-Solving Courts Committee seeks to make the citizens and communities of the State of Maryland safer through the operation of Problem-Solving Courts, which address crime and related social issues by promoting interdisciplinary approaches to improve the quality of life for court–involved individuals and their families.

2. Mission

The Problem-Solving Courts Committee promotes, oversees, and sustains a comprehensive and collaborative approach for court-involved persons through the development, implementation, and operation of Problem-Solving Courts. The Committee supports and facilitates the access and delivery of effective and appropriate treatment and other community based services to achieve positive measurable results. The Committee ensures that Problem-Solving Courts by employing best practices be providing evidenced-based training, technical assistance, research, funding, and support.

3. Definition

Problem-Solving Courts address matters that are under the court’s jurisdiction through a multidisciplinary and integrated approach that incorporates collaboration between courts, government, and community organizations.

4. Components of Problem-Solving Courts

1. Team approach with court as leader.
   
2. Integrated services with court system processing.
   
3. Early identification, prompt screening, assessment, and placement of participants.
   
4. Provide access to a continuum of services.
   
5. Ongoing judicial interaction with each participant.
   
6. Coordinated strategy including use of incentives and sanctions to promote participant compliance.
   
7. Achieve desired goals using a non-adversarial process while protecting the due process rights of participants.
   
8. Frequent monitoring and reporting of participant behavior.
   
9. Partnership with public agencies and community-based organizations to facilitate delivery of services, program effectiveness, and generate local support.
   
10. Use of management information systems to evaluate achievement of program goals and gauge effectiveness.
    
11. Continuing interdisciplinary education of judges, partners, staff, and community.
    
12. Commitment to cultural competency and diversity issues.