The 5th Judicial District Problem-Solving Court serving York County will hold its graduation ceremony and celebration on January 4, 2019, at 2:15 p.m. in the York County District Courtroom, 510 N. Lincoln Ave., York, Nebraska.

For Problem-Solving Court graduates, this ceremony marks the completion of an intensive program of comprehensive drug treatment, close supervision, and full accountability. Presiding Problem-Solving Court Judge James Stecker will host the ceremony and will deliver the keynote address. Problem-Solving Court is a minimum 18-month program where participants learn and develop the skills to live a successful life free from drugs and alcohol.

The 5th Judicial Problem-Solving Court Coordinator, Abbie Dishong, commented, “This program isn’t easy. Our participants are under a microscope all of the time and they have tough expectations and requirements placed on them. The Problem-Solving Court team has high expectations for the character and integrity of the participants in this program.” Dishong continued, “This program has not been a program where you can ‘fake it until you make it’ -- it demands serious self-reflection, perseverance, and commitment to the recovery process.”

Nebraska’s Problem-Solving Courts have replaced the previous philosophy of incarceration for all offenders with community-based treatment programs and rehabilitative interventions that encourage individuals to change their thinking patterns and embrace accountability without the cost of imprisonment.

The 5th Judicial District Problem-Solving Court, like other Nebraska Problem-Solving Courts, operates under a team approach where a Judge, prosecutor, defense counsel, community supervision officer, law enforcement, and treatment provider work together to design an individualized program to best serve offender needs. Engagement with appropriate treatment resources and court orders are verified by frequent alcohol and drug testing, close community supervision, and interaction with a judge during non-adversarial court review hearings. Problem-Solving Courts enhance close monitoring of participants by engaging with participants in their day to day environments including their home, employment, treatment, and community activities.

Local Contact: Abbie Dishong, 5th Judicial District Problem-Solving Court Coordinator
Phone:        402-363-9178  
Email:         abbie.dishong@nebraska.gov 

State Contact: Adam Jorgensen, Statewide Problem-Solving Court Coordinator, Nebraska Supreme Court
Phone:        402-471-4415 or 402-219-4297   
Email:         adam.jorgensen@nebraska.gov