Overview

 


The Office for Justice Initiatives - Division of Policy & Planning - provides guidance and support to judges and non-judicial personnel throughout the New York State Unified Court System, including more than 300 problem-solving and accountability courts. These special courts include adult, family, juvenile, opioid and veterans’ treatment courts, human trafficking intervention courts, mental health courts, impaired driving courts, and domestic violence/integrated domestic violence courts. The Division of Policy & Planning is also responsible for managing the statewide inventory of residential and commercial foreclosure matters.

In connection with these primary areas of oversight, the Division of Policy & Planning develops and implements best practice standards, reviews ways to streamline court operations and improve case processing, and hosts legal and operational seminars for judges, court employees, and our stakeholder partners.

The Division of Policy & Planning is also frequently called upon to complete special projects on behalf of Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence K. Marks, and Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives Edwina G. Richardson. In that regard, the Division of Policy & Planning has assisted in the implementation of new legislation, represented the Unified Court System at local and national conferences, and participated in numerous committees and commissions addressing criminal justice issues.

To contact the Division of Policy & Planning, please email dpp@nycourts.gov

back to top

Problem-Solving Courts

Problem-Solving Courts identify the underlying issues that bring people into court and employ innovative approaches to address those issues, while ensuring public safety. Problem-Solving Courts take different forms depending on the issue they are designed to address. Drug Courts, Family Treatment Courts, Mental Health Courts, Opioid Courts and Veteran’s Treatment Court focus on treatment/rehabilitation and Human Trafficking Intervention Courts facilitate access to services. Through intensive judicial monitoring, coordination with outside community services, treatment where appropriate, the removal of barriers between courts and increased communication with stakeholders, Problem-Solving Courts are able to change the way our system manages cases and responds to individuals, families and communities.

back to top

Domestic Violence & Integrated Domestic Violence Courts

Domestic violence impacts all aspects of society and is defined broadly as abusive behavior that includes assault, harassment, stalking, financial abuse, sexual assault, violations of orders of protection, and related forms of family and intimate partner violence. These matters may be heard in Criminal, Civil, and Family Courts.

Domestic Violence Courts feature a dedicated judge and court staff with specialized training on issues that uniquely impact domestic violence cases, and provide consistent monitoring and judicial supervision to enhance offender accountability.

Integrated Domestic Violence Courts use a “one family-one judge” model to bring multiple criminal, family and matrimonial proceedings, involving the same parties, before a single judge. This model provides consistency and coherence for those impacted by domestic violence, and resolves the problem of parties having to manage multiple cases in multiple courthouses.

Both types of courts emphasize a coordinated response to domestic violence that highlights increased collaboration between the court system and community based social services.


back to top

Driving While Intoxicated / Driving While Ability Impaired Parts

Driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol poses serious dangers to drivers, their passengers, and members of the public. The New York State Courts continue to dedicate significant resources to support the Driving While Intoxicated/Driving While Ability Impaired Parts (DWI/DWAI), which ensure that individuals who drive while intoxicated or impaired are held accountable for their actions. DWI/DWAI Parts are designed to provide constant supervision to offenders by judges and court staff who closely monitor compliance with court-ordered sanctions and treatment mandates. Working with our partners in government, DPP conducts education and training programs concerning legal and operational issues involving DWI/DWAI cases.

back to top

Elder Justice

Elder abuse is broadly defined as a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate actions, that cause harm, risk of harm, or distress to a person who is 60 years or older. Elder abuse includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, confinement, exploitation, neglect, and abandonment. Abusers can be adult children, caregivers, or other family members, as well as employees of nursing homes or assisted living facilities. 

While not all adults experience significant cognitive or physical decline with age, many do. The New York State Unified Court System is dedicated to ensuring that that all older adults are fully able to participate in court proceedings. Part of this approach involves training judges to identify and address the special needs of this population. The Division of Policy & Planning’s Elder Justice Resource Guide provides judges and court personnel with information about the prevention and recognition of elder abuse and neglect, available legal interventions, relevant criminal and civil laws, guidance relating to the special needs of older adults, and a comprehensive database of elder justice resources. For more information, email elderjustice@nycourts.gov.


back to top

Foreclosure

Foreclosure proceedings have a significant impact on homeowners, lending institutions, the courts, and the economic health of our communities. The Division of Policy and Planning manages the foreclosure inventory with the goal of increasing access to justice, improving case processing, and establishing best practice standards.

To accomplish this goal, the Division of Policy & Planning develops foreclosure pilot projects and shares case management strategies through a Statewide Foreclosure Working Group. Comprised of judges, court attorneys, and court personnel statewide, this working group meets regularly to review the Unified Court System’s foreclosure inventory, address issues, and assess emerging trends.

Read more about foreclosures and learn about resources for homeowners facing foreclosure.

back to top