Iowa Specialty Courts

Iowa Specialty courts are a division of the Iowa state corrections system that specializes in alternatives to incarceration. Currently, there are almost forty specialty courts operating throughout the state of Iowa. The model of these courts is to act in partnership with local communities as a solutions based system that centers the root issues that contribute to an individual’s interaction with the justice system. These courts work closely and carefully with community support systems to enable Iowa adults and juveniles to recover from chemical dependence and treat mental health needs successfully. Court designated treatment teams include a judge, chemical dependence treatment professionals, district attorneys and an individual's defense team, and private agency partners. It is common for a specialty court program located in one county to serve individuals from one or more other counties in the district. For more information about available services, individuals are encouraged to use the contact information provided on the website.