Programs, Services & Specialty Courts


Special Programs and Services

Specialty and Problem Solving Courts Overview

MISSION STATEMENT

Dallas County Specialty Courts is committed to protecting society, serving victims and the community and facilitating positive change in offender behavior through the use of evidence-based intervention strategies.

The Dallas County CSCD provides for technical assistance and other resources to the following Specialty and Problem Solving Courts. These courts adhere strongly to the federally supported drug court model.

Dallas County CSCD Community Supervision Officers (CSOs) work with participants to make sure the conditions of probation and treatment recommendations are understood and adhered to, thus increasing public safety.  The CSOs work under the direct supervision of the court and provide the court with information and recommendations through various means, often in court staffing.  When sanctions or revocations are part of the docket, the CSO may be required to testify or give input to the Judge, but the Judge makes all final decisions.

Treatment providers work with the participants through intensive outpatient groups, supportive outpatient groups, and individual meetings.  The treatment providers will use treatment strategies and curriculums that include a cognitive  behavioral component.  Treatment providers are vetted by Dallas County CSCD and are required to comply with all state and federal regulations.  Treatment providers (contracted or in-house) may provide information and feedback to the court during court staffing, meetings or other hearings.

A successful exit from the court culminates in graduation ceremony, held periodically throughout the year.  Graduates and staff celebrate the successful completion of Specialty Courts.

Specilty Courts' programming includes judicial intervention, CSCD supervision, rehabilitative services, treatment plans and additional therapeutic support to include:

  1. Judicial and (court) treatment team monitoring and intervention;
  2. Continued delivery of case management services to coordinate treatment plan implementation;
  3. Quality substance/mental health/domestic violence/anger management and psychological services that may include cognitive skills, life skills, and relapse prevention components;
  4. Family intervention and counseling, are recommended;
  5. A network of support from those involved in the process encouraging successful completion of treatment objectives; and
  6. Instilling the belief and rewarding successful completion provides a crime and drug-free lifestyle leading to productive citizenship.

Felony Specialty and Problem Solving Courts

Misdemeanor Specialty and Problem Solving Courts