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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2007
CONTACT:
Lee Derr
717-787-6538
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Senate Panel Approves Orie Legislation to Establish Specialized Courts in PA

The Senate Judiciary Committee today approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny), Senate Bill 584, that would establish specialized "problem solving" courts which would integrate intervention and treatment into the handling of certain criminal cases.

For example, Senate Bill 584 would provide for the creation of drug courts– which have proven to be very successful in lowering recidivism rates and saving tax dollars.  "In Allegheny County, which has a drug treatment court, the recidivism rate is approximately 28 percent, compared to more than 50 percent for defendants who do not participate in a drug court program," Orie said. "And studies have shown that these programs can save as much as $10 for every $1 invested."

Another type of problem solving court deals with the mental issues of some defendants. A Rand study of the Allegheny mental health court program found that costs were offset in the first year after sentencing. Although participants in the Mental Health Court program received more mental health services, they also spent fewer days in jail than they might have if they had been sentenced in criminal court.  In the second year after sentencing, the reduced jail time more than offset the costs of continuing mental health treatment, saving Allegheny County taxpayers about $3.6 million over the two years. 

Orie said Senate Bill 584 would provide state assistance to other county or judicial districts to create similar courts.  Senate Bill 584 provides for a statewide coordinator in the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Court.  The coordinator would be responsible for identifying sources of funding and providing coordination, best practices, and technical assistance to bolster those efforts.

"Pennsylvania lags behind most other states in establishing and operating drug courts and other specialty courts.  My legislation would address the outstanding issues involving the establishment of specialized courts and complement the ongoing efforts of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in exploring innovative judicial strategies.

Problem solving courts will allow the entire justice system to work together to determine what is best for the offender and the community, and they will allow us to save tax dollars, reduce crime, and -- most importantly – save lives," Orie said.