2014 Legislative Council Study Committee on Problem-Solving Courts, Alternatives, and Diversions

The Special Committee is directed to review the 50+ courts currently in operation in Wisconsin that utilize nontraditional adjudication methods, the effect they have on recidivism, and the net fiscal impact of these courts. The committee shall examine courts, such as veterans courts, drug and alcohol courts, mental health courts, and drunk driving courts, in Wisconsin and nationally and consider: (a) effectiveness of existing problem-solving courts in Wisconsin in reducing recidivism, the costs to administer these courts, and the savings realized; (b) best practices of existing problem-solving courts, both in Wisconsin and elsewhere, and potential implementation of these practices at the state level; (c) efforts to establish problem-solving courts that serve multiple counties, impediments to these efforts, and potential changes to improve regionalization of such courts; and (d) appropriate role and structure of state-level training and coordination.