Council adopts statewide standards and data guidelines for Texas specialty courts

The Judicial Council voted unanimously to adopt statewide standards and a data‑collection guide for Texas specialty (treatment) courts. Erin Morgan of OCA presented the standards, explaining they address nine evidence‑based areas — including target population, the judge’s role, incentives and sanctions, treatment and recovery services, multidisciplinary teams, testing, supervision and program monitoring — and include a standard set of metrics for participant progress and program performance.

Morgan said the objective is to give local courts a common destination for what effective treatment courts should achieve while preserving flexibility for local implementation. The Council’s adoption signals statewide alignment on minimum expectations and a single data vocabulary to support evaluation and funding decisions.

Why it matters: With more than 200 registered treatment courts statewide, the standards aim to improve program comparability, help programs demonstrate outcomes to funders, and allow the state to make more informed decisions about training, technical assistance and investment.