Collaborative Courts
Tuolumne County has a number of specialty courts to meet the needs of the community. This includes collaborative or “problem-solving” courts, also known as therapeutic justice courts. This type of court is intended to promote accountability through judicial supervision and monitoring.
These collaborative courts (also called problem-solving courts, therapeutic justice courts, judicially led diversion programs, and recovery-oriented compliance dockets) are characterized by a team approach which brings together resources from the court’s justice partners and community organizations. Collaborative courts are trauma-focused, culturally sensitive, and emphasize early intervention, ongoing supervision, and frequent judicial reviews.
The goals are to address substance abuse and mental health issues, connect participants to available community services, seek alternatives to incarceration and other forms of punishment, and reduce recidivism.
National and state studies have shown that collaborative courts generate substantial savings within the justice system by increasing case processing efficiencies and reducing incarceration costs. Tuolumne County Superior Court is committed to continuing to develop and refine these programs as part of its overall strategy to increase access to justice.
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CARE Court
CARE Court connects a person struggling with untreated mental illness – and often also substance use challenges – with a court-ordered Care Plan for up to 24 months. Each plan is managed by a care team in the community and can include clinically prescribed, individualized interventions with several supportive services, medication, and a housing plan.
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Adult Drug Court
Adult Drug Court is a collaboration of agencies -- including the Court, the Probation Department, the Health Care Agency, the Public Defender’s office, the District Attorney’s office, the Sheriff’s Department and other local law enforcement -- which provides an alternative to incarceration for defendants who meet the program's eligibility criteria.
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Dependency Drug Court
The Dependency Drug Court Program (DDCP) is a collaborative program between the Tuolumne Superior Court Juvenile Division, Behavioral Health Services (BHS) and CWS. It is designed to support the parent in addressing their Substance Use Disorder (SUD) needs.