The presentation will focus on how psychological evaluations can assist in treatment planning with clients involved in problem solving courts. Topics will include how to craft relevant questions prior to requesting a psychological evaluation, understanding scoring used in evaluations, the types of psychological tests that are likely to be used, and more. 

In 2023, 12,429 men, women and children in the U.S. were killed in impaired driving crashes. While DUI’s are 100% preventable, they represent 32% of all traffic fatalities. About a third of all DUI individuals have multiple impaired driving convictions. This is the population most likely to find themselves under community supervision. How can we confront the threat they pose to our communities?

This interactive presentation will address the effective management of high-risk impaired drivers through research-based DUI specific screening, assessment, supervision and monitoring. Topics will include:

• How DUI risk/need screening and assessment tools help determine appropriate community supervision practices
• Placement into programs specifically designed for individuals convicted of impaired driving.

Objectives:

• Participants will identify how DUI screening and assessment tools help sentencing and supervision practices
• Participants will identify the characteristics and profiles of the OVI client and the criminogenic risk factors that increase their likelihood of recidivating
• Participants will understand evidence-based supervision strategies for the impaired driving population

Traumatic experiences during military deployments, such as life-threatening situations, loss of comrades, and witnessing severe injuries and death, often have profound and lasting emotional effects. Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common condition among veterans exposed to such trauma. This workshop aims to provide participants with a deeper understanding of trauma and its impact on veterans. We will explore the different types of traumas, including moral injury, and discuss their prevalence. Additionally, we will focus on the development of a trauma-informed care approach, trauma- specific therapies, and strategies for recovery, helping veterans regain control and begin the healing process.

This course explores the integration of two prominent frameworks in behavior change for justice involved individuals. The Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) Model and Desistance Theory. This interdisciplinary approach examines how individuals enter and exit the criminal justice system, emphasizing the dynamic processes of behavior change.

A practical, skill-based 75-minute session designed for non-treatment team members serving in Illinois Specialty Courts. Many professionals in these roles have limited training in engaging with individuals experiencing serious mental health conditions, especially when those individuals may be in or approaching crisis. This session provides tools to enhance safety, build rapport, and respond effectively during escalating situations. Participants will learn to recognize verbal and non-verbal signs of distress, demonstrate person-centered communication techniques, and apply de-escalation strategies grounded in trauma-informed and recovery-oriented approaches. The presentation is interactive, combining instruction with real-world examples and opportunities for guided reflection. By building confidence and competence in crisis interactions, this session supports improved outcomes and stronger multidisciplinary collaboration across Specialty Court teams.

Better client outcomes with better employment interventions. The session will describe the pilot program launched in 2024 by the Twenty Second Judicial Circuit Problem Solving courts in McHenry County for Integrating Employment Interventions into the Specialty Court Programs. The session will define cohesive treatment and employment plans that complement each other. Assessment tools and processes of determining the employment risks and needs for work readiness will be described. Attendees will be introduced to a work readiness program for justice impacted job seekers. Employment resources available on a national scale will be outlined. The employment integration approach has been successful in leveraging the change talk in recovery to manifest better occupation outcomes. Attendees will be able to construct their own program that intentionally brings employment interventions and treatment plans together.

There’s no denying it, impaired driving treatment courts are a proven model to treat justice-involved impaired drivers. Though there is plenty of research, uplifting stories, and communities reaping the benefits of impaired driving treatment courts, not everyone is on board. Additionally, not everyone who is on board truly understands the complexities of the model or they don’t keep up with the evolution of the model. This session will examine how the model is different than other treatment court models, which makes it all the more imperative to implement them in our communities and to keep in fidelity with the model. It will also provide useful knowledge, tools, and materials to assist practitioners in educating others about impaired driving treatment courts. If you’ve ever had to try to get buy-in from a stakeholder, talk about your program in the media, or get a colleague to change practices, then this is the session for you.

 Objectives:

• Attendees will understand methods of positive messaging and how it can be used
• Attendees will identify the reasons for the lack of support and obtain the knowledge to respond to those issues.
• Attendees will be provided with materials and activities to break down barriers and obtain partner support.

 The presentation assists treatment courts in reviewing and establishing clearly defined policies and procedures that promote due process and equal protection of the laws. The discussion focuses on balancing fairness with swift program entry, participants’ progression, and successful program completion. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Identify due process considerations of written notice, reasons for decisions, independent magistrate, right to counsel, equal access, and equitable treatment. 
• Describe the collection and review of data to recognize and reduce unintended disparities in program entry and completion. 
• Describe the early identification process and means/methods for effectively “capturing” potential participants for your program. 

The national and local landscape continues to evolve for LGBTQ+ individuals. Join Youth Outlook for a presentation on understanding LGBTQ+ terminology and current trends when working with LGBTQ+ individuals. We’ll cover updates to state and federal laws pertaining to name changes and access to care. Participants will practice common scenarios that may occur when supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and leave with resources and referrals.

The only currently existing Gambling Treatment Diversion Court (GTDC) in the U.S. is located in Clark County, Nevada, although many other jurisdictions in the U.S. are currently in deliberations about beginning similar programs. Based on the need to further understand the need for, administration of, and considerations for GTDCs and set up standards for other states, Dr. Malkin conducted an evaluation of the Clark County court leading to a deeper understanding of the court, issues within its structure and practice, and important considerations. One key issue that has arisen is how a GTDC may be similar to and different from the drug court standards that are usually followed in other diversion-style courts. This workshop provides details on unique considerations for GTDCs and how the well-established drug court model can inform recommendations for jurisdictions considering establishing gambling diversion programs. Specifically, this workshop considers workgroup and community buy-in, eligibility, program compliance, treatment, and rewards/sanctions that any locations developing a GTDC should consider.

Most problem-solving courts will not accept referrals for non-residents. This makes perfect logistical sense, but unfortunately many justice-involved individuals are often arrested in counties other than their county of residence. This leads to individuals who are otherwise psc-qualified candidates being deprived of the benefits of problem-solving courts. There are also situations in which it would be beneficial for current participants to reside in other counties for extended periods of time and continue with problem-solving court in another county. An obvious solution for both of these situations would involve transferring the participant’s problem-solving court probation. However, many problem-solving courts have been reluctant to accept transfers. This interactive session will explore some of the potential barriers to transfers and, borrowing ideas from other states, offer some practical solutions to overcome those barriers and allow more individuals the opportunity to experience the benefits of problem-solving courts.

Recent studies have confirmed that mental health and substance use issues are commonplace in our legal profession and that judges, lawyers and law students suffer higher levels of depression, anxiety, substance use, compassion fatigue, burnout, cognitive problems, addiction, and other serious issues at rates much higher than those seen in the general population. There is a significant overlap of Substance use and mental health issues, including the use of heroin, prescription pain medications, and other drugs.

Participants in this program will learn:

• What is the overlap between substance use and mental health issues; 
• Most recent national rates of Problematic Substance use by drug including Opioids; 
• What factors make lawyers particularly vulnerable to Substance Use and Mental Health Issues
• Legal Competency Issues Related to Opioid Use
• Comparing Opioid Use to other Substance Use Problems
• What to do if someone is struggling with Opioid Use problems

The evolving world of substance use presents a complex and rapidly shifting landscape. This session explores emerging drug trends, shedding light on both illicit substances and the growing wave of “legal” but unregulated drugs that are often easily purchased in convenience stores, vape shops, and online marketplaces.

Participants will gain critical insights into:

• The deceptive marketing of these substances in retail environments, often labeled as “herbal incense,” “dietary supplements,” or “not for human consumption” to avoid regulation.
• Illegal drug trends, including the rise of fentanyl and synthetic opioids, the resurgence of methamphetamine and cocaine use, and the dangers of lab-made compounds like synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones (“bath salts”), and benzodiazepines.
• The increasing presence of xylazine (“tranq”), a veterinary tranquilizer now found in street drug supplies, compounding the overdose crisis.
• Legally sold but potentially dangerous substances, such as Delta-8 THC, kratom, tianeptine (“gas station heroin”), phenibut, and high-dose loperamide, which operate in regulatory grey areas and are marketed as wellness or research products despite serious health risks.

This presentation focuses on the challenges and strategies for engaging high-need individuals with Mental Health Disorders, Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Personality Disorders, and Co-Occurring Disorders. Emphasizing the importance of building effective therapeutic alliances, the session explores evidence-based practices, systems coordination, and communication techniques to address the complexities of these conditions. Participants will leave equipped with tools to foster engagement, enhance therapeutic relationships, and design comprehensive, individualized care plans for better outcomes.

This presentation will explore how physical activity, community connection, and choice can enhance long-term recovery for individuals involved in problem-solving courts. It will highlight The Phoenix – Sober Active Community and its free, peer-led programs that combine fitness, emotional support, and social engagement to reduce recidivism and prevent relapse.

Attendees will learn how integrating movement-based recovery and peer support offers individuals multiple pathways to sobriety, complementing traditional treatment models like 12-step or SMART recovery. Real-world examples, including Phoenix’s expansion into Cook County Jail and collaborations with treatment courts in Michigan and Illinois, will showcase how these programs are transforming recovery for justice-involved individuals.

This session is designed for court professionals, treatment providers, and community recovery organizations seeking innovative solutions to improve outcomes for participants and expand access to sober activities and peer-led recovery resources.

As members of Law Enforcement, we have the opportunity to make a positive impact on some of the issues plaguing our communities, albeit from a different approach other than enforcement. There is no one size fits all solution to these issues. Being open minded to a multi-pronged approach to address them gives us the best chance to make a difference, and we have the ability to do that as members of our problem solving teams.

There can be a stigma amongst members of law enforcement about the efficacy of a problem solving court program, and that mindset can also be shared by members of the community as well. It is important for us to be advocates of the program to other members of law enforcement and in the community as well.

We are also an integral part of the team as we can bring a perspective that other members are unable to provide. In addition, we have the chance to have positive interactions with participants, which for many of them could be the first time they’ve had such an experience.

Deflection is transforming justice by deflecting individuals away from the legal system and into treatment, saving lives and reshaping community responses. This session will explore Illinois’ evolving deflection landscape, highlighting active communities, the State’s strategy, and key stakeholders driving change. Participants will examine how problem-solving courts and deflection efforts align, identifying ways their expertise can support and enhance these initiatives. By engaging in deflection, an early upstream approach, communities create earlier intervention opportunities for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. This approach not only prevents justice system entry but also complements treatment courts by establishing pathways to services. Those ineligible for deflection may later qualify for treatment courts, and prior deflection participation can contribute to success within problem-solving court programs. Join us to explore how deflection builds on existing court practices, fostering collaboration without reinventing the wheel. Be part of shaping a more effective, community-driven justice response.

This interactive session will explore the integration of collaborative learnership, evidence-based practices, and restorative justice principles within problem-solving courts. Participants will engage in discussions and activities that highlight the importance of a holistic approach to justice that prioritizes rehabilitation, accountability, and community involvement. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and tools to implement these concepts in their own jurisdictions.

Don’t have an impaired driving treatment court but have implemented other models of treatment court in your jurisdiction? Competing resources is a key factor as to why jurisdictions are unable to fully implement a treatment-based model to serve all those in need. This often results in the decision to combine treatment court models to better serve the public. However, not all individuals present with the same risks, needs, and attitudes. Impaired drivers are a population that is uniquely different from the traditional treatment court population. This session will highlight those key differences and present how to implement a track specifically for the high-risk/high-need impaired driver.

Objectives:

• Attendees will learn how to implement a track for impaired drivers in their existing treatment court
• Attendees will be able to identify unique characteristics that set the impaired driver apart from other court populations
• Attendees will learn the factors and tools to identify the target population for an impaired driving track

Peer Support Specialists serve as a non-clinical role for clients in recovery. PRSS are trained and certified to use their own personal, lived experiences with mental health and/or substance use challenges in order to help others in recovery. PRSS offer insight and bridge gaps for participants that may need extra support, understanding, and guidance while working towards recovery. Many communities and court stakeholders struggle with understanding how PRSS assist clients in recovery and what PRSS can and cannot do. Many also struggle with how to fund PRSS salary, benefits, and training. This presentation will walk team members through what a PRSS does, how different PSC utilize PRSS services, available funding to support PRSS, as well as current trends and priority areas for PRSS. This presentation will be relevant for all courts and treatment providers that are new to PRSS or those who want to expand their PRSS services. This presentation, while geared towards rural communities and the unique challenges that rural communities face, is open and applicable to all types and sizes of PSC. Key components of PRSS including EBP, Best Practice Standards, Certification and Training, SUD and Mental Health treatment will all be discussed.

People, Places, and Things: Supporting Recovery in the Veteran Population explores the vital role that people, places, and things play in supporting recovery within the veteran population. By focusing on the power of positive relationships, safe and stable environments, and meaningful activities, we can better understand how to foster resilience and long-term healing. Veterans face unique challenges as they transition back into civilian life, and recovery requires a holistic approach—one that honors their service while addressing the physical, emotional, and social aspects of reintegration. Through community engagement, tailored support systems, and trauma-informed care, VTC’s can create recovery pathways that are not only effective but deeply respectful of each veteran’s journey.

Innovative and dangerous methods of achieving altered states continue to emerge, challenging public health and safety efforts. This presentation delves into the evolving landscape of substance use, including designer drugs and unconventional methods young adults use to get high in home settings. Alternative Ways to Get High provides a comprehensive overview of these substances, highlighting their physical properties, immediate physiological and psychological effects, and long-term impacts on the brain and body. Participants will learn about a range of substances, their physical properties, and the short-term and long-term effects they have on the brain and body. The course aims to provide critical insights into the challenges posed by emerging trends in substance use.