§916. Problem-solving courts.

(a) Establishment.--The court of common pleas of a judicial district and the Municipal Court of Philadelphia may establish, from available funds, one or more problem-solving courts which have specialized jurisdiction, including, but not limited to, drug courts, mental health courts and driving under the influence courts, whereby defendants are admitted to a court-supervised individualized treatment program. The court may adopt local rules for the administration of problem-solving courts and their related treatment services. The local rules may not be inconsistent with this section or any rules established by the Supreme Court.

(b) Statewide problem-solving courts coordinator.--To the extent that funds are available, the Supreme Court may appoint a Statewide problem-solving courts coordinator. The coordinator may:

(1) Encourage and assist in the establishment of problem-solving courts in each judicial district.

(2) Identify sources of funding for problem-solving courts and their related treatment services, including the availability of grants.

(3) Provide coordination and technical assistance for grant applications.

(4) Develop model guidelines for the administration of problem-solving courts and their related treatment services.

(5) Establish procedures for monitoring problem-solving courts and their related treatment services and for evaluating the effectiveness of problem-solving courts and their related treatment services.

(c) Advisory committee.--The Supreme Court may establish, from available funds, an interdisciplinary and interbranch advisory committee to advise and assist the Statewide problem-solving courts coordinator in monitoring and administrating problem-solving courts Statewide.

(June 3, 2010, P.L.207, No.30, eff. 60 days)

Notation

2010 Amendment.  Act 30 added section 916.