2026 House Resolution 321

Whereas, Treatment courts are a cornerstone of justice reform in the United States and are widely recognized as among the most successful and effective justice system interventions in our nation’s history; and

Whereas, There are more than 4,200 treatment courts operating nationwide, including Michigan’s 209 treatment courts, which together have helped restore hope, strengthen families, and improve outcomes for more than 1.5 million individuals; and

Whereas, Treatment courts have demonstrated significant improvements in addressing substance use and mental health challenges, reducing addiction and related crime, and achieving these outcomes at a lower cost than traditional criminal justice approaches, saving an average of $6,000 per participant; and

Whereas, Treatment courts foster strong community-based partnerships by bringing together judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, treatment and rehabilitation professionals, law enforcement, community supervision personnel, researchers, educators, and community leaders who share a commitment to accountability, recovery, and healing; and

Whereas, Treatment courts improve public safety and promote long-term stability by increasing educational attainment, employment, housing and financial security, supporting family reunification, reducing foster care placements, and improving maternal and infant health outcomes; and

Whereas, Treatment courts exemplify the belief that recovery is possible, accountability leads to transformation, and when one person rises out of substance use and crime, families grow stronger, communities heal, and we all rise; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 2026 as Treatment Court Month in the state of Michigan.