Problem solving courts could be set for Northern Ireland
Evidence shows that they can reduce crime and cut costs by putting judges at the centre of rehabilitation.
Problem-solving courts (PSC) address the underlying problems that contribute to criminal behavior.
They look just like traditional courts, but defendants are referred to as "clients" and the judge has extensive knowledge about the client and talks with them directly.
Now it's understood pilot schemes could be launching here soon, including a new substance misuse court.
But why are there calls for problem solving courts here and how do they work?
They are specialist courts that target individual problems - such as drugs, mental health and domestic violence - which focuses more on rehabilitation rather than prison sentences.
Well, a client placed in a treatment program is monitored by the judge for months or years, and will return to court periodically to assess progress and/or problems.
The judge can order the client to serve jail time as a punishment while in a treatment program, and the judge decides when the client is to be released from the programme.
American judge Gregory Jackson travelled to Belfast to speak at a PBNI event "Justice in Transition" to speak of the benefits of court - especially drug courts.
In 1999, Judge Jackson was appointed General Counsel for the D.C. Department of Corrections.
He said "Our drug court in Washington DC is a treatment programme for those who are arrested and charged with a crime that have an underlying substance abuse issue that is likely contributing to their criminal behaviour.
"It's a voluntary programme. Those who are willing to come onto the programme receive treatment services and if they complete it, and have a misdemeanor case - that case is dismissed.
He said the most important aspect was that they get the drug treatment they need and are able to rejoin society.
Listen below to hear Judge Jackson speaking about a particular story that always stays with him -
PBNI are also launching a new problem solving justice programme soon - which is based on the court system.
Geraldine O'Hare- Head of Psychology Services and Interventions at PBNI says it helps get to the root cause of the problem.
"Problem solving courts, in my opinion, are a really creative, inivative way to target and tackle the problem people present.
"It allows the individual who has committed the crime to actually address the underlying reasons for their offending behaviour.
She also said the courts hold people to account and will make a real difference.
"We have to treat addiction. By not doing so - we are simply moving people through a complex system and actually addiction is a public health issue. "
It's understood the new substance misuse court will be held in Belfast and Londonderry - and could be launched as early as this week.