A STEP in the Right Direction?: Evaluating a Specialty Court Targeting Violent Crimes

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

In November of 2022, Multnomah County, Oregon, started a new specialty court called STEP (Strategic Treatment and Engagement Program) Court. It is a collaboration between the District Attorney’s office and the Circuit Court in response to the urgent need to advance public safety with a targeted approach to violent crime. The program provides court-directed supervision and a wide variety of treatment to eligible individuals convicted of Assault I or Robbery I with substance use, mental health concerns, and/or cognitive behavioral issues underlying their criminal behavior. STEP Court is designed to be a different experience for those in the justice system. The judge, attorneys, probation officer, behavioral health team, and mentors work together to give support and encouragement. This panel outlines various components of an ongoing, comprehensive multi-year evaluation of the first cohorts to enter the program.

Sub Unit

• Area VI. The Criminal Justice System / 46. Courts & Sentencing

Individual Presentations

• What is STEP Court? - Brian Renauer, Portland State University

• What did it take to get it started? - Ann Leymon, Leymon Research

• How do best practices apply in a court that targets violent crimes? - Arynn Infante, Portland State University

• Who are STEP Court’s Clients? - Mark Leymon, Portland State University

Discussant

• Mark Leymon, Portland State University

Organized by a Division or external group?

Division on Corrections and Sentencing.