Collaborative courts, also known as “problem-solving” courts, promote defendant accountability by combining judicial supervision with rehabilitation services that are monitored by the court and focused on recovery. This practice emphasizes a coordinated effort among attorneys, law enforcement and community treatment and service agencies to address the complex social and behavioral health problems that have resulted in defendants cycling through the courts and jails. Judicial leadership plays a significant role in motivating compliance with treatment and is essential for ensuring positive relationships among the court and its partners. In the past 15 years, Collaborative Courts have emerged as an effective strategy to improve outcomes for victims, communities and defendants. Collaborative court programs currently operating in San Francisco Superior Court.
Mission
The San Francisco Collaborative Courts (SFCC) work with individuals and families in the criminal justice, juvenile delinquency, and child welfare systems who are challenged by substance abuse, mental illness and other social welfare concerns. We aim to improve individual and family outcomes, minimize incarceration, reduce criminal recidivism and improve public safety. We work with participants to facilitate greater self sufficiency, family health and community engagement. Our policies and programs are evidence-based and data-driven, and we strive to be accountable and transparent to the court, the city, and the community. We advocate for the use of collaborative justice practices to general calendars throughout the court system.
Statement of Principles/Vision
We are cognizant of ethnic, sexual orientation, gender, and class disparities. We are committed to reducing such disparities in all of our programs.
We know that cross-system collaboration is difficult. We are committed to working through such challenges to enhance service delivery and team cohesion among all Collaborative Court partners.
We are committed to providing high quality, culturally competent, accessible, appropriate, and individualized services and resources.
We support leadership among all Collaborative Court staff for a more proactive and visible department.
Thank you to the San Francisco Reentry Council for sharing some of their principles with San Francisco Collaborative Courts
Contact:
Lisa Lightman, Director
San Francisco Collaborative Courts
Superior Court of California, County of
400 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 551-3983 - Telephone
llightman@sftc.org
