Colorado Courts Highlight Recovery Success During Treatment Court Month

May 5, 2026, DENVER – As many courts nationwide mark May as National Treatment Court Month, Colorado’s problem-solving courts are spotlighting their success and experiences that show how accountability, treatment, and teamwork can help break the cycle of addiction. 

“Colorado’s problem-solving courts have helped improve the lives of individuals and families in need of treatment and rehabilitation,” said Desiree Hermocillo, statewide problem-solving court unit manager. “Through our specialized courts, we have improved housing stability, increased the pursuit and achievement of educational milestones among adults and juveniles, and provided a pathway to a healthier and stable life.”

There are currently 64 active problem-solving courts in Colorado across 20 judicial districts, including Adult Drug Courts, DUI Courts, Wellness Courts, Veterans Treatment Courts, Family Treatment Courts, and Juvenile Delinquency Treatment Courts. 

Beyond this, the 17th Judicial District (Adams and Broomfield counties) offers a treatment court exclusively for women known as the Women’s Recovery Court. It is the only treatment court program in the state tailored specifically to women's needs. 

“The program’s specialization allows us to provide targeted support for common challenges experienced by women, including caregiving responsibilities, intimate partner violence victimization, and trauma,” said Tabitha Rangel, problem-solving court coordinator in the 17th Judicial District. 

Problem-solving courts are transforming the way justice works by moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and focusing on the root causes of behavior, such as substance use and mental health needs. 

By balancing accountability with treatment and supportive services, problem-solving courts help reduce recidivism, support recovery, and strengthen communities. In 2025, the recidivism rate after one year of program completion was 7.27%. Nearly 300 participants achieved higher education levels, such as receiving a high school diploma or GED or earning a bachelor’s degree, with 48% of juvenile participants reaching similar educational milestones. 

“When it works, you do not just see compliance; you see a person recovering their life, their family, and their future,” said Robert Burrs, problem-solving court coordinator in the 4th Judicial District. “Seeing the positive impact that problem-solving courts have on a participant’s behavior, and on community safety, is incredibly fulfilling.”

The 5th Judicial District’s recovery court in Eagle County will be hosting an open house to help celebrate National Treatment Court Month and to educate the public about problem-solving courts on May 21, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Eagle County Justice Center, 885 Chambers Avenue, Eagle, CO, 81613, in Courtroom 3. For media attendance or questions about the event, please contact Lisa Morton, problem-solving court coordinator, at lisa.morton@judicial.state.co.us.

Learn more about problem-solving courts in the Colorado Judicial Department’s 2025 Annual Report at: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/annual-report

Link to problem-solving courts 2025 infographic:

coloradojudicialbranch.pixieset.com/treatmentcourtmonthmay2026/

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