Supreme Court annual report shows these programs continue to lower recidivism, unemployment rates across Michigan
LANSING, MI, May 17, 2024 – Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra H. Bolden was joined today by judges and military veterans in announcing the new Problem-Solving Courts Annual Report, which tracks the progress of 207 problem-solving courts (PSCs) across Michigan from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023 (Fiscal Year 2023). The announcement was made just ahead of Armed Forces Day (May 18), and during Military Appreciation Month, National Treatment Court Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month. Of particular notice: unemployment among veterans treatment court (VTC) graduates dropped by 82 percent.
“Problem-solving courts continue to make stronger and safer communities across Michigan by lowering recidivism and unemployment rates among graduates,” said Justice Bolden, who serves as the Court’s liaison for PSCs. “These successes begin with a key ingredient: compassion. And compassion doesn’t come from a symbol or a building; it comes from the judges, court staff, volunteers, community partners, and others who work, day in and day out, to make a difference for participants.”