May is Problem-Solving Court and Opioid & Stimulant Use Disorder Month

Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz has issued a proclamation recognizing May 2024 as both Problem-Solving Court Month and Opioid & Stimulant Use Disorder Awareness Month. The proclamation notes the public health crisis attributable to the use and misuse of opioids and stimulants while recognizing the vital contributions that problem-solving courts make to address these challenges.
In 1989, Florida started the national problem-solving court movement by creating the first drug court in the United States in Miami-Dade County. Other types of problem-solving court dockets followed, using the drug court model, and were implemented to assist individuals with substance use and mental health disorders, and related challenges. 
The Problem-Solving Court Certification Program was adopted by the Florida Supreme Court by administrative order. “The Certification Program is a significant step for the courts in emphasizing evidence-based best practices and further advancing positive outcomes for participants,” notes Jennifer Grandal, Chief of the Office of Problem-Solving Courts. Certification implementation will begin with a pilot program of up to six adult drug courts. Adult drug courts interested in participating in the pilot program should email Jennifer Sears in the Office of Program-Solving Courts at searsj@ifaexports.com by Friday, May 10, 2024. Additional information regarding the certification program, including the recent certification program educational webinar, is available on the Problem-Solving Court webpage.  
Following the very successful Champions Summit in 2023, the Florida Courts Opioids & Stimulants RESPONSE will host another event with key national experts on the growing issue of methamphetamine addiction, with a focus on considerations for courts. The webinar is scheduled for June 17, 2024, from 12:00–1:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Those interested in attending the webinar must register online. 
Marcia Elder, Training Manager with the Office of Problem-Solving Courts, said, “We’re excited to offer an array of top-quality events in support of problem-solving courts and to provide continued resources for tackling the opioid and stimulant epidemics.” For example, sessions from the Champions Summit are available online and are eligible for CJE and CLE credits. Additionally, plans are already underway for the 2024 Problem-Solving Court Conference, which is scheduled for December 11–13 in Orlando.