Problem-Solving Court teams from across Nebraska met in May – the month nationally designated as Drug Court Month – for team training and self-assessment of best practice standards. Experts from the National Center for State Courts conducted sessions on the Nebraska Adult Drug Court and DUI Court Best Practice Standards, giving local teams the opportunity to review operating policies and procedures. 

“Our standards are among the top in the nation,” said Judge Jim Doyle, Nebraska Supreme Court Problem-Solving Court committee chair. “We are committed to excellence and to ensuring that Nebraskans in every court within the state receive consistent, high-quality services.”

Nebraska problem-solving courts currently operate in all 12 judicial/probation districts and serve over 1,000 individuals. Veteran Treatment, DUI, and Adult Drug Problem-Solving Courts teams were present at the training. Problem-Solving Courts operate under a team approach where a judge, prosecutor, defense counsel, coordinator, community supervision officer, law enforcement, and treatment provider(s) work together to design an individualized program for each problem-solving court participant. Compliance with treatment and court orders is verified by frequent alcohol/drug testing, close community supervision, and interaction with a judge in non-adversarial court review hearings.

Photos: (Top) Problem-Solving Courts -- Judges Doyle and Turnbull and Chief Probation Officer Lonnie Folchert (center back). (Top Right) Judge Geoff Hall's District 6 Problem-Solving Court team reviews 'Best Practice' standards. (Bottom Right) Justice John Wright addresses the need for consistent practices within Nebraska's Problem-Solving Court system.