Steering Committee on Problem-Solving Courts
The purpose of the Steering Committee on Problem-Solving Courts is to continue addressing the needs of court-engaged individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders through the use of differentiated case management principles and other evidence-based and emerging best practices. In carrying out that purpose, the Steering Committee on Problem Solving Courts shall perform its responsibilities consistent with The Long-Range Strategic Plan for the Florida Judicial Branch 2022 - 2027 
, including Goal 1.2 (Ensure the fair and timely resolution of all cases through proactive, effective, and consistent case management practices), Goal 1.5 (Encourage the use of consistent practices, procedures, and forms statewide), Goal 2.4 (Collaborate with justice system partners and community organizations to deliver appropriate services), and Goal 2.6 (Promote the use of innovative and effective problem-solving courts and alternative dispute resolution processes). The steering committee acts as the governance group for all problem-solving courts in the state.
Administrative Order Establishing the Steering Committee on Problem-Solving Courts: Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC24-50
Membership List for the 2024-2026 Steering Committee on Problem-Solving Courts: Committee Member List
What are court committees?
Committees are the mechanism established by the Florida Supreme Court for developing consensus on appropriate judicial branch policies affecting the administration of justice. While the state courts system is administered by the chief justice and the Florida Supreme Court, the policy development strategy of the judicial branch is, in many respects, very collegial. Due to the nature of the judicial branch, the development and implementation of policies and procedures for the trial and appellate court involves a complex, and often lengthy, process. Committees may be appointed when a specific issue or concern is brought to the Florida Supreme Court’s attention, or when the Florida Supreme Court desires to evaluate and improve the court system’s performance in a particular area. Court committees make a vital contribution to the function of the judicial branch.
Current Charges
Charge One:
Recommend revisions to Supreme Court-approved best practice standards or guidelines, as needed, to ensure best practices remain current and consistent with new research and guidance.
Charge Two:
Continue to provide guidance to the Office of the State Courts Administrator on the development of statewide problem-solving court training initiatives on best practices.
Charge Three:
Continue to provide guidance to the Problem-Solving Court Advisory Group in making funding recommendations to the Trial Court Budget Commission, as needed, based on regular updates provided by the Advisory Group.
Charge Four:
Pursuant to In Re: Problem-Solving Court Certification Program, Fla. Admin. Order No. AOSC23-89 (Dec. 18, 2023), oversee and provide guidance and direction for implementation of the Problem-Solving Court Certification Program. Submit a report to the Court on the outcomes of the pilot program no later than June 30, 2025.