May marks Problem-Solving Court Month in Florida, an important time to recognize the life-changing impact of treatment courts in our community. At DISC Village, we’re proud to partner with the Second Judicial Circuit to provide essential behavioral health services that support individuals on their journey through treatment court programs.
What Are Treatment Courts?
Treatment courts represent a revolutionary approach to addressing substance use disorders and behavioral health challenges within the justice system. Unlike traditional courts that may perpetuate a cycle of substance use and incarceration, treatment courts focus on rehabilitation, recovery, and accountability.
The Second Judicial Circuit of Florida operates several specialized treatment courts that serve our community:
- Felony Drug Court (Leon County) – Presided by Administrative Judge Nina Ashenafi-Richardson
- Juvenile Drug Court – Presided by Circuit Judge Joshua Hawkes
- Veterans’ Treatment Court – Presided by Leon County Judge LaShawn D. Riggans
- Early Childhood Court – Presided by Circuit Judge Barbara K. Hobbs
- Mental Health Programs in both Leon County (Judge Jason L. Jones) and Gadsden County (Circuit Judge Ronald W. Flury)
The Treatment Court Difference: A Collaborative Approach to Behavioral Health
What makes treatment courts uniquely effective is their collaborative model. These courts bring together a therapeutic team of behavioral health professionals, judges, defense attorneys, prosecutors, probation officers, and law enforcement. Together, they create individualized, evidence-based treatment plans that address not only substance use disorders but also the underlying factors that contribute to them.
At DISC Village, we understand that recovery requires comprehensive support. That’s why our behavioral health services address multiple dimensions of wellness, including:
- Substance use disorder treatment
- Mental health counseling
- Educational support
- Employment assistance
- Housing stability
- Family reunification
- Healthcare coordination
Breaking the Cycle: How Treatment Courts Save Lives
For over three decades, treatment courts have proven to be among the most successful justice interventions in American history. More than 4,000 treatment courts nationwide are breaking the cycle of substance use and criminal behavior by:
- Providing accountability through regular court appearances and drug testing
- Connecting individuals with evidence-based substance use treatment
- Addressing co-occurring mental health disorders with appropriate clinical interventions
- Supporting recovery through a continuum of behavioral health services
- Building community through peer support and prosocial activities
DISC Village’s Role in Supporting Treatment Court Participants
As a leading provider of behavioral health services in North Florida, DISC Village plays a vital role in the treatment court ecosystem. Our comprehensive services include:
Assessment and Treatment Planning
We conduct thorough behavioral health assessments to identify substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and other needs that may affect recovery. These assessments inform individualized treatment plans tailored to each participant’s unique circumstances.
Evidence-Based Treatment
Our clinical team delivers evidence-based interventions designed to address substance use disorders and promote lasting recovery. From individual counseling to group therapy, our services help participants develop the skills needed to maintain sobriety.
Ongoing Support
Recovery is a journey, not a destination. DISC Village provides continuing care services that support treatment court participants throughout their program and beyond. Our case managers help coordinate additional services like housing assistance, employment support, and healthcare to address the full spectrum of participant needs.
Success Stories: Courts of Second Chances
Treatment courts truly are courts of second chances. Every day, we witness individuals transform their lives through these programs. Many participants who once faced significant prison time for drug-related offenses now lead productive, substance-free lives as contributing members of our community.
The success of treatment courts can be measured not only in individual recoveries but also in stronger families, safer neighborhoods, and healthier communities.
How You Can Support Treatment Courts
During Problem-Solving Court Month, we invite you to learn more about treatment courts and their impact on behavioral health in our community. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Educate yourself about substance use disorders and recovery
- Support and donate to organizations like DISC Village that provide behavioral health services
- Volunteer with community re-entry programs
- Advocate for expanded treatment court funding and access
- Reduce stigma by speaking openly about behavioral health and recovery
Learn More About Behavioral Health Services at DISC Village
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or behavioral health challenges, DISC Village is here to help. Our comprehensive behavioral health services are designed to support individuals at every stage of their recovery journey.
DISC Village is proud to be a treatment provider for the Second Judicial Circuit’s Problem-Solving Courts, offering evidence-based behavioral health services to support recovery and reduce recidivism in North Florida. Learn more about our treatment court services here.
Our team is ready to provide prevention, treatment, and recovery services for you and your loved ones. Please let us know how we can help you by contacting us today. Together, we can build a healthier future for our community.
