The Illinois Supreme Court has announced the creation of uniform standards and a certification and application process for problem-solving courts across the state.

Madison County Circuit Court is host to at least two such courts - one for veterans and a newly established one designed to help parents struggling to make child support payments. 

Statewide standards will bring uniformity, accountability and administrative oversight to problem solving courts in Illinois, where there are already more than 100 in operation and more in the planning stages.

Also known as specialty or therapeutic courts, problem-solving courts provide an alternative forum for certain individuals in the criminal justice system, such as veterans and those with mental illness or substance abuse disorders, among others.

“Now that Illinois courts have some experience with the problem-solving approach, we are ready to enter a new era – that of expanding the availability of these courts across the state by establishing standards, institutionalizing best practices, and ensuring consistency state-wide,” Chief Justice Rita B. Garman stated in a press release issued Tuesday.

To continue reading this article by Ann Maher, go to: http://madisonrecord.com/stori...oblem-solving-courts