Published Paper Details:

Offending or criminal behavior related to substance use disorders (SUDs) and Mental Health (MH) disorders is one of the most pervasive global challenges undermining the integrity of the criminal justice system. Traditional judicial practices involved adopting an incarceration-based, punitive model to crime, with only minimal effectiveness in reducing recidivism and treatment of sociocultural, psychological, physical, and practical roots of criminal intent or motive of the offenders, leading to rehabilitation. By contrast, Problem-Solving Courts (PSCs) or Integrated Courts (IC), such as the Drug treatment courts (DTCs), Mental Health Courts (MHCs), Indigenous Peoples' Court (IPCs) epitomise a holistic and integrated care model that combines judicial supervision and control with therapeutic interventions, community-based care, and principles from forensic psychology such as therapeutic jurisprudence, restorative justice, treatment models and risk assessment. Based on empirical evidence and corroborating data from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, this paper demonstrates that PSCs reduce recidivism, increase compliance with treatment adherence, and advocate for cost-effective measures that address the underlying causes of criminal behavior, rather than focusing on punitive measures. The discussion subsequently explores the future direction of adopting a PSC Model in the Indian Judicial System, addressing prison crowding and high prevalence of untreated mental health conditions, and evaluating the application of the integrated model. Drawing on forensic psychology principles, the paper addresses exploring execution of Problem - Solving Courts through Metropolitan Pilot Program by leveraging of existing or new support services encompassing the Triage Team which will consist of health care workers , mental health supports, housing stability navigation, substance abuse treatment plans and centers , probation officers and police; judicial training in principles of forensic psychology, telepsychiatry, while incorporating AADHAAR - linked identity verification system. Anticipated outcomes are expected to reveal reduced recidivism, lower incarceration rates, mandated treatment compliance, enhanced citizen safety, and targeted management of mental health and substance use disorders, adhering to ethical considerations -- associated stigma, informed consent, and a culture-sensitive implementation approach -- bringing forth resolutions.