Bucks County Treatment Courts: A national model for justice and healing
Bucks County’s Treatment Courts were honored earlier this year with a prestigious designation, being named a National Mentor Court for a three-year term from 2025 to 2027.
This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Treatment Court team, including members from the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, Probation Department, Sheriff’s Office, Court Administration, Department of Behavioral Health/Developmental Programs, and Advocate Counsel.
As the district attorney, I share immense pride in this achievement, as it highlights our commitment to providing effective and compassionate alternatives within the justice system. This is a significant honor, placing us among only ten adult treatment courts in the country to receive such a distinction.
The Bucks County Treatment Court provides a voluntary pathway for residents in the justice system whose involvement is connected to substance use and/or mental health disorders. Our programs, which include the Recovery Court (established in 2010) and the Wellness Court (created in 2021), offer participants crucial treatment, resources, and support.
Our goal is to help them reintegrate as productive community members, reduce reoffending rates, and enhance the well-being and security of both the participants and the wider public. This approach offers a path to rehabilitation and second chances for individuals who are committed to their recovery. This program provides a structured and supportive environment for highly motivated, nonviolent offenders, offering them the resources they need to successfully reintegrate into the community.
The selection process for this designation was rigorous, involving a comprehensive evaluation by AllRise, formerly known as the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. The evaluation assessed our adherence to best practices and included an on-site review by an AllRise director. This thorough assessment underscores the integrity and effectiveness of our programs. It is a true honor to be asked to mentor others, as there is no higher form of praise.
In our new role as a mentor court, our team will share its knowledge and experience by offering training and technical support to other courts. We will also welcome teams from different jurisdictions to observe our operations and learn from our successes. This collaboration will contribute to the nationwide network of over 4,000 treatment courts, fostering a collective effort to improve the justice system’s response to substance use and mental health issues. As AllRise director Vanessa Matthews noted, each court selected brings a unique perspective to the intersection of criminal justice, substance use disorder, and mental health.
Additionally, the Bucks County Treatment Court was chosen as one of eleven national court programs to participate in a knowledge-sharing initiative focused on incorporating trauma-informed practices within Treatment Courts. This initiative, offered through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s GAIN Center, provides us with specialized training and expert guidance to create a strategic plan. It also offers a valuable opportunity to collaborate closely with other selected court teams from across the United States, further enhancing the support we provide to the individuals we serve.
We are incredibly proud of Deputy District Attorney Christine Sassane, our Chief of Diversionary Courts, who has worked tirelessly to help participants succeed through the program. Her dedication is a shining example of the commitment that has made our Treatment Court such a success.
This designation is not just an award; it is a responsibility. We embrace this new role with enthusiasm and look forward to sharing our successful model with other jurisdictions to help them achieve similar outcomes.
Jennifer Schorn is Bucks County’s district attorney.
