Collaborative Courts

Who can benefit from Collaborative Courts?

Adult Drug Court

Adult Drug Courts, also known as Recovery Opportunity Centers (ROCs), are innovative, evidence-based programs designed to provide a therapeutic alternative to traditional criminal justice case management for individuals at high risk who are dealing with substance use disorders. These courts emphasize rehabilitation instead of punishment, aiming to address the root causes of criminal behavior.

KEY FEATURES:

• Collaborative Approach: Adult Drug Courts utilize a team-based, less adversarial methodology, bringing together judges, attorneys, treatment providers, and support staff to guide participants through their recovery.
• Judicial Oversight and Support: Each participant receives close judicial supervision, ensuring accountability while fostering a supportive environment conducive to rehabilitation.
• Comprehensive Treatment Services: Participants are provided with access to intensive substance abuse treatment, which includes counseling and therapy tailored to their specific needs.
• Frequent Drug Testing: Regular drug screenings are conducted to monitor progress and encourage accountability.
• Educational and Vocational Training: The program incorporates opportunities for participants to engage in educational and vocational training, helping to equip them with skills necessary for successful reintegration into society.

Assisted Outpatient Treatment Court

Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) is designed to provide a vital support system for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) who require treatment but struggle with voluntary compliance. Established under Laura's Law, AOT facilitates collaboration between the judicial system and healthcare providers to ensure these individuals receive the necessary care within the community, thereby presenting a less restrictive alternative to involuntary hospitalization.

KEY FEATURES:

• Collaborative Framework: Engages multiple stakeholders, including courts, treatment providers, County Counsel, the Public Defender, Patients' Rights advocates, and local law enforcement to foster a holistic approach to treatment.
• Outreach and Engagement: Proactively reaches out to eligible individuals to encourage voluntary participation in Full-Service Partnership (FSP) services before considering court intervention.
• Comprehensive Range of Services: Offers a broad spectrum of services tailored to individual needs, including mental health treatment, medication management, primary healthcare access, and substance abuse counseling.
• Family and Peer Support Programs: Provides education and support for family members and peers, promoting a network of encouragement and understanding for those in treatment.

Family Preservation Court

The Riverside County Family Preservation Court (FPC) is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of children while providing intensive support to parents struggling with substance use disorders. The program focuses on creating a safe environment for children and aims to foster family reunification through comprehensive treatment and services.

FPC operates as a collaboration among the Superior Court, the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), Riverside University Health System, and other county agencies. It is designed for families facing significant substance use issues that jeopardize child safety and is structured over 12 months, divided into three distinct phases. The program targets both families already involved in dependency cases (Post-File) and those at risk of losing custody of their children due to substance-related abuse and neglect (Pre-File).

KEY FEATURES:

• Collaborative Approach: The program is a partnership between various county organizations, fostering a comprehensive support network for families.
• Intensive Treatment Framework: Designed to last approximately one year, FPC provides an intensive treatment model specifically tailored for families dealing with substance use disorders.
• Phased Structure: The program consists of three phases, each requiring participants to complete specific tasks to progress. Achievement is recognized with certificates at the end of each phase.
• Individualized Treatment Plans: Each participant receives a personalized treatment plan developed from initial assessments, focusing on their unique circumstances and needs.
• Comprehensive Services: Individual and group counseling, evidence-based parenting and substance use education, drug testing and relapse prevention strategies, recovery workshops and intensive case management, and referrals to additional support services as needed.

Homeless Court

The Homeless Court program aims to provide support and transformation for individuals experiencing homelessness within Riverside County's Collaborative Courts system. This initiative acknowledges that legal challenges often relate to deeper issues, and therefore, it aims to address both.

KEY FEATURES:

Participants receive personalized legal support while also engaging in a comprehensive program that includes:

• Life Skills Training: Workshops to develop essential skills for personal and professional success.
• Substance Dependency Support: Access to resources for overcoming addiction and managing recovery.
• Job Training and Employment Assistance: Tailored programs that equip participants with the skills they need for the job market, coupled with job placement support.
• Medical Care and Mental Health Services: Comprehensive health support, including access to counseling and other necessary medical services.
• Counseling Support: Professional guidance to help participants navigate challenges and build resilience.

Incompetent to Stand Trial

The Incompetent to Stand Trial (IST) Court program addresses the legal and mental health needs of individuals facing criminal charges who are deemed unable to participate in their defense due to mental incompetence. This specialized court aims to ensure that defendants' rights are upheld while facilitating appropriate treatment and rehabilitation for those involved in the criminal justice system.

KEY FEATURES:

• Competency Evaluations: Appointment of qualified mental health professionals to assess defendants' mental competency and prepare detailed evaluation reports.
• Placement and Treatment Options: Referral to various treatment options, including state hospitals, local jail-based competency programs, or community-based restoration programs, tailored to the needs of the individual.
• Interagency Collaboration: Coordination between multiple entities including Behavioral Health, District Attorneys, Public Defenders, Sheriffs, and the Department of State Hospitals (DSH) to streamline the process and enhance outcomes.
• Diversion Programs: Opportunities for defendants to enter diversion programs that may lead to dropped charges upon successful completion.

Mental Health Court

The Mental Health Court is an innovative Probation program designed to address the needs of criminal defendants suffering from severe and persistent mental health issues. In partnership with RUHS-Behavioral Health, this program aims to facilitate appropriate assessment and placement for individuals whose criminal behavior is linked to their mental illness. Through a comprehensive framework of support and treatment, the Mental Health Court actively works to safeguard public safety while promoting rehabilitation.

KEY FEATURES:

• Individualized Treatment Plans: Each participant receives a tailored treatment plan that addresses their specific mental health needs, ensuring that care is both relevant and effective.
• Case Management: Dedicated case managers are assigned to oversee each defendant's progress, providing guidance and support throughout the duration of the program.
• Monthly Progress Hearings: Participants are required to attend monthly hearings where they report on their progress, fostering accountability and giving the court insight into their journey.

Mental Health Diversion Court

The Mental Health Diversion Court is an innovative non-probationary program designed to address the intersection of mental health issues and the criminal justice system. Through collaboration with various justice partners and RUHS-Behavioral Health, this court aims to provide alternatives to incarceration for individuals struggling with mental health disorders.

KEY FEATURES:

• Program Duration: The Mental Health Diversion Court program spans two years, allowing ample time for individuals to engage in treatment and support.
• Collaborative Approach: The program involves partnerships with mental health professionals, legal advocates, and the justice system to create a comprehensive support network for participants.
• Assessment and Treatment: Each participant undergoes a thorough assessment to establish a suitable treatment plan, which must be approved by the court. Treatment may include therapy, medication management, and community support services.

Military Diversion Court

The Military Diversion program, established under California Penal Code Section 1001.80, offers eligible veterans and active-duty military members the chance to receive treatment and rehabilitation instead of facing incarceration for misdemeanor offenses and certain felonies. This initiative recognizes the unique challenges that military personnel encounter when transitioning to civilian life, including mental health issues, trauma, and other service-related difficulties. By focusing on support and recovery, the program aims to help ease the reintegration into society.

KEY FEATURES:

• Eligibility Criteria: Current or former member of the United States military, charged with a misdemeanor offense, may have conditions such as military sexual trauma (MST), traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD, or substance use problems as a result of military service.
• Application Process: The defendant must complete Form RI-CR052 to request military diversion. A hearing is scheduled within two weeks to assess eligibility.
• Diversion Program Requirements: Waiver of the right to a speedy trial for up to two years, participation in a treatment program for a minimum of one year.
• Services Offered: Anger management, substance use counseling, mental health counseling, job training and placement assistance, housing assistance, and legal assistance.

Veterans Court

The Veterans Treatment Court in Riverside County is a vital component of the Collaborative Courts system, dedicated to supporting veterans who encounter legal challenges due to mental health issues or substance use disorders stemming from their military service. This innovative program aims to address the underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior among veterans, helping them reintegrate into society successfully.

Participants in the Veterans Treatment Court engage in a tailored rehabilitation process, where a dedicated team collaborates to develop individualized treatment plans. The program emphasizes frequent interactions with a judicial officer, fellow veterans, treatment providers, and mentorship teams, fostering a supportive community focused on healing and recovery.

KEY FEATURES:

• Individualized Treatment Plans: Customized plans that cater to the specific needs of each veteran.
• Collaborative Team Approach: A multidisciplinary team, including judges, lawyers, mental health professionals, and veterans, working together.
• Peer Support and Mentorship: Involvement of fellow veterans to provide guidance and encouragement throughout recovery.
• Access to Mental Health Services: Comprehensive mental health evaluations and ongoing therapy options.
• Holistic Approach: Addressing the physical, emotional, and social aspects of veterans' lives to promote overall wellness.