This session provides an in-depth exploration of the foundational elements of effective behavioral health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment within justice-involved populations. Participants will examine how cognitive patterns, emotional regulation, and behavioral responses contribute to ongoing substance use and criminal behavior.

The session highlights evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT®), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), and demonstrates how these models can be applied within problem-solving court settings. Participants will learn how to structure interventions that promote accountability, enhance motivation, and support lasting behavior change.

Practical strategies will be shared for conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, facilitating group sessions, and collaborating across disciplines. Attendees will leave with tools they can immediately apply to strengthen engagement, improve compliance, and support long-term recovery outcomes.

Contingency management is one of the most effective evidence-based practices for treating substance use disorders. This approach uses structured incentives to reinforce positive behaviors such as abstinence, treatment participation, and compliance with program expectations.

In this session, participants will learn how contingency management works and why it is effective. The presentation will review research demonstrating improved treatment retention, reduced substance use, and enhanced participant outcomes. Attendees will explore how to design and implement incentive systems that are practical, sustainable, and aligned with court goals.

The session will also address common concerns, including cost, fairness, and consistency, and will provide strategies for integrating contingency management into existing court frameworks without disrupting operations. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of how to implement this approach to support behavior change.

Understanding where individuals are in the process of change is critical to delivering effective interventions. This session explores the stages of change model and how it can be applied in justice and treatment settings to improve engagement, reduce resistance, and support lasting behavioral change.

Participants will learn how to accurately assess readiness for change using evidence-based tools and identify behaviors that correspond to each stage. The session will focus on matching interventions to an individual’s level of motivation, helping treatment providers apply appropriate evidence-based strategies at the right time in the change process.

The presentation will also review research and statistical data supporting stage-matched interventions and their impact on participant engagement and outcomes. Through real-world examples, interactive discussion, and insights drawn from more than 20 years of field experience, attendees will gain practical tools they can immediately implement in their work.

This session is especially beneficial for treatment providers who are newer to the field or seeking to strengthen foundational intervention skills within justice-involved and behavioral health populations.

Incentives, sanctions, and service adjustments are crucial components in problem-solving courts. However, applying them effectively, consistently, and fairly can be challenging. This interactive session will examine evidence-based principles to help decide when and how to most appropriately provide each type of response to participant behavior, suggest examples of each type, and help take the guess work out of when to sanction and when to make a service adjustment. The session will also discuss when is termination called for.

Law enforcement deflection programs offer an alternative pathway for individuals who might otherwise enter the justice system through arrest. This session explores how deflection strategies can strengthen problem-solving courts by creating opportunities for early intervention and connection to services.

Participants will learn how deflection programs operate and how they can be integrated with court processes. The session will highlight the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, courts, and community providers, and will address practical considerations such as training, policy development, and liability.

Real-world examples will illustrate how deflection can reduce system burden, improve participant outcomes, and enhance community safety. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to build and sustain effective deflection partnerships.

Every day, professionals in criminal justice, behavioral health, and substance use services give their time, energy, and compassion to others. But when constant exposure to stress and trauma takes its toll, it can become difficult to maintain personal well-being and professional balance.

“Filling Your Cup” is a powerful and uplifting session designed to help professionals recharge, reconnect with their purpose, and rediscover the joy in their work. Through engaging discussion and practical strategies, participants will explore ways to prevent burnout, manage emotional fatigue, and strengthen resilience in high-demand roles.

This interactive session blends research-based insights with real-world tools that support long-term personal and professional sustainability—because when professionals care for themselves, they are better equipped to care for others. 

Peer support specialists bring lived experience that can enhance engagement, trust, and recovery outcomes for participants in problem-solving courts. This session explores how peer roles can be effectively integrated into court teams.

Participants will learn how to define peer responsibilities, establish appropriate boundaries, and build collaborative relationships with court staff. The session will also address challenges and opportunities associated with incorporating peer support into structured court environments.

Attendees will gain insight into how peer specialists contribute to participant success and how programs can develop and sustain effective peer support models.

In high-stress environments, communication breakdowns are rarely about intent — they are about how pressure amplifies differences in style, pace, and priorities. This interactive session introduces a practical framework for understanding communication styles and how they show up under stress, particularly within interdisciplinary teams working in demanding roles.

Participants will explore their own communication preferences, recognize how stress can intensify misunderstandings, and learn strategies for navigating internal team conflict more effectively. Through guided reflection, small-group discussion, and real-world examples, attendees will gain language to describe differences and learn how to adjust communication in moments that matter most. The focus is not on labeling personalities, but on building self-awareness and shared understanding to reduce friction, improve collaboration, and strengthen team functioning.

This session examines how probation case plans and treatment plans can be aligned to support shared goals. Participants will explore how improved communication and coordination between supervision and treatment providers can enhance outcomes.

The session will highlight strategies to reduce duplication of effort, clarify roles, and ensure consistency in messaging to participants. Attendees will leave with practical approaches to strengthen collaboration and improve program effectiveness.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used and effective treatment for gambling disorder. This session provides an overview of CBT principles and how they can be applied to address gambling-related behaviors.

Participants will learn how to identify maladaptive thought patterns, implement behavioral interventions, and support participants in developing healthier coping strategies. The session emphasizes practical application within problem-solving court settings.

Trauma can significantly impact how individuals interact with the justice system. This session explores how trauma-informed practices can be integrated into courtroom settings to improve engagement and outcomes.

Participants will learn strategies to create environments that promote safety, trust, and accountability while maintaining program integrity. The session emphasizes practical changes that can be implemented immediately.

Even the strongest supervision and treatment models can fall short when participants struggle to engage, stabilize, or remain connected to services. Peer recovery support offers a powerful, often underutilized solution to this challenge.

This session explores how peer recovery specialists—individuals with lived experience in recovery and the justice system—bridge critical gaps between courts, supervision, treatment, and the community. Attendees will gain insight into how peer support enhances engagement, builds trust, and supports long-term success for individuals who may not respond to traditional approaches alone.

Through real-world examples and practical strategies, this session will highlight how peer recovery can be integrated into existing systems, including problem-solving courts, probation-based models, and community supervision. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to leverage peer support to improve outcomes, strengthen collaboration, and better meet the needs of the populations they serve.

Data plays a critical role in improving program effectiveness and demonstrating success. This session explores how to collect, analyze, and use data to inform decision-making and support funding efforts.

Participants will gain practical tools to enhance data practices, track outcomes, and strengthen program performance.

The research is clear: impaired driving treatment courts (IDTC) are effective at reducing recidivism, saving money, changing lives, and making communities safer. While the research is easy to identify, jurisdictions often have a difficult time identifying the needs and resources available in their communities to start new programs. This session will help participants identify the resources needed to support the need for an IDTC, the resources and training necessary to support the operation of an IDTC, and convincing stakeholders to lend their support in promoting implementation and long-term sustainability. 

Mental health courts rely on strong collaboration among multidisciplinary team members to effectively serve individuals with complex behavioral health needs. This session explores the roles and responsibilities of each team member and how clear expectations contribute to successful outcomes. Participants will examine common challenges, including communication breakdowns, role confusion, and managing high-need participants. The session provides practical strategies to strengthen team coordination, improve decision-making, and support participants with serious mental health conditions. Emphasis will be placed on balancing accountability with therapeutic approaches to achieve long-term stability and success.

This session explores how jurisdictions can build and sustain a culture of diversion through coordinated, system-wide efforts. Participants will learn how Adult Redeploy Illinois (ARI) supports alternatives to incarceration by focusing on evidence-based practices, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. The session highlights strategies to engage stakeholders, align resources, and create sustainable diversion pathways. Attendees will gain insight into how ARI programs reduce reliance on incarceration while improving outcomes for individuals with behavioral health and criminogenic needs.

 Have you attempted to initiate or sustain an alumni program for your treatment court graduates? We recognize the challenges in maintaining connections with past participants and encouraging their ongoing support. This session features alumni from multiple states who have successfully established and sustained long-term alumni programs. Attendees will learn strategies for preserving momentum among graduates and empowering programs to build enduring alumni networks. The presentation provides an overview of essential tools to support the development and maintenance of effective alumni initiatives.

Join us for this comprehensive workshop exploring the multifaceted issues surrounding Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), Domestic Violence (DV), and Family Violence. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the complexities of these forms of violence, examining the psychological, behavioral, and social dynamics that sustain them.

The session will explore underlying factors such as behavioral health challenges, substance use disorders (SUD), trauma, and other key contributors to violent behaviors. Participants will learn to identify potential red flags, apply effective intervention strategies, and utilize evidence-based practices to reduce recidivism, foster healthier relationships, and create safer communities.

Additionally, this workshop highlights the importance of practitioner well-being. Participants will examine the impact of secondary trauma and develop practical tools for self-care, resilience, and professional sustainability when working with affected populations.

By understanding the root causes of IPV, DV, and Family Violence—and by applying proven therapeutic and behavioral approaches—attendees will be empowered to drive meaningful change in both individuals and communities.

Engagement is a critical component of successful recovery, yet traditional approaches do not always resonate with all participants. This session introduces movement-based, peer-led recovery models that emphasize connection, choice, and community. Participants will learn how non-clinical, activity-based approaches can increase engagement, reduce isolation, and support long-term recovery. The session highlights practical ways to incorporate these strategies into court programs to enhance participation and outcomes.

Emerging adults require supervision approaches that reflect their developmental stage, including ongoing brain development, identity formation, and increased risk-taking behaviors. This session explores how these factors influence decision-making and program engagement. Participants will learn strategies to tailor interventions, improve communication, and support behavior change for this population. The session emphasizes balancing structure with flexibility to promote accountability while encouraging growth and independence.

Veterans involved in the justice system often face unique challenges related to service-related trauma, mental health conditions, and reintegration into civilian life. This session explores how Veterans Treatment Courts can address these needs through specialized programming, resource coordination, and strong partnerships with veteran service organizations. Participants will learn strategies to improve access to benefits, enhance engagement, and support long-term success for veteran participants.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a widely used, evidence-based approach for enhancing motivation and supporting behavior change. This session provides an overview of MI principles and techniques, including how to engage participants, explore ambivalence, and strengthen commitment to change. Participants will learn practical strategies that can be applied immediately in court and treatment settings.

Peer support plays an increasingly important role in recovery-oriented systems. This session explores the development of a certified peer workforce, including training pathways, credentialing, and program implementation. Participants will learn how to build and sustain peer programs that support recovery and enhance engagement within problem-solving courts.

Co-occurring disorders present complex challenges for both treatment and supervision. This session focuses on identifying individuals with both mental health and substance use disorders and implementing integrated approaches to care. Participants will learn strategies to improve engagement, coordinate services, and support long-term recovery outcomes.

Law enforcement plays a critical role in the success of problem-solving courts. This session explores how law enforcement can effectively collaborate with court teams, support participant accountability, and contribute to positive outcomes. Participants will examine strategies to strengthen partnerships, clarify roles, and improve system coordination.

Individuals who grow up in environments impacted by substance use often experience significant trauma and developmental challenges. This session explores the long-term impact of these experiences and how they influence behavior and engagement. Participants will learn trauma-informed strategies to better support individuals affected by substance use environments and improve outcomes within court programs.

Impaired drivers are not limited to impaired driving treatment courts. They are present in adult drug courts, veterans courts, mental health courts, family treatment courts, and virtually every other treatment court model—whether teams recognize them as such or not. Increasingly, impaired driving is linked to polysubstance use, where alcohol, prescription medications, illicit drugs, and other substances combine to create complex patterns of risk that extend far beyond a single charge.

This session explores what every treatment court practitioner should understand about impaired drivers and the growing impact of polysubstance use across court populations. Participants will examine how impaired driving behaviors intersect with substance use disorders, mental health conditions, trauma, and criminogenic risk factors, often creating challenges that traditional supervision and treatment approaches may overlook.

Designed for professionals across all treatment court models, this session will provide practical insight into identifying impaired driving risk, recognizing patterns of polysubstance use, and responding effectively within supervision and treatment planning. Attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of why impaired driving behaviors matter beyond impaired driving courts and how addressing these risks can strengthen participant outcomes, accountability, and public safety across all problem-solving court settings.