Treatment Court Facts, Research & Statistics
Evidence-Based Practices. Measurable Outcomes. Stronger Communities.
Treatment courts provide an innovative approach to addressing substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and other challenges contributing to justice involvement.
By combining judicial supervision, evidence-based treatment, accountability, and recovery support, treatment courts work to reduce recidivism, support long-term recovery, strengthen families, and improve community safety.
Explore Missouri treatment court statistics, research findings, national best practice standards, and resources that demonstrate the role of treatment courts in advancing public health and public safety.
Missouri Treatment Courts by the Numbers
Missouri has been a leader in the treatment court movement since establishing its first drug court in Jackson County in 1993.
According to information reported to the Missouri General Assembly in 2026:
More than 6,000 individuals participated in Missouri treatment court programs across 99 counties during 2024.
29,383 individuals have graduated from Missouri treatment court programs since their inception, as reported in 2026.
Treatment court programs operate in 45 of Missouri’s 46 judicial circuits, with access extending to 104 counties and the city of St. Louis.
Why Treatment Courts Matter
Treatment courts bring together judicial oversight, behavioral health treatment, and community partnerships to address the needs of eligible justice-involved individuals.
Research supports the ability of well-implemented treatment courts to reduce criminal activity, improve access to treatment and recovery services, and generate economic benefits.
Their multidisciplinary approach can help participants build stability in areas such as employment, housing, health, and family relationships while maintaining accountability and promoting public safety.
Treatment Court Research and Resources
Access official reports, research, data, and professional standards to learn more about treatment court operations and outcomes.
Missouri Treatment Court Resources
Access official Missouri reports, standards, research, and resources supporting effective treatment court practices.
Missouri Treatment Court Standards (PDF) — State standards established to guide treatment court operations, policies, and practices across Missouri.
Missouri Office of State Courts Administrator — Treatment Court Information — Official information about Missouri’s treatment court programs.
Missouri Treatment Court Directory — Locate treatment courts throughout Missouri.
Missouri Department of Mental Health — 2025 Annual Data Report — Statewide behavioral health and substance use information.
Missouri General Assembly — 2026 Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force Report — State findings, statistics, and recommendations related to substance use treatment and prevention.
National Research and Best Practices
Historical Treatment Court Reports
Missouri’s treatment court history reflects decades of innovation, collaboration, and expansion. Historical publications provide valuable context for understanding the development of treatment courts and changes in practices and outcomes over time.
Reports from previous years may be made available for historical reference. Statistics in archived publications should not be interpreted as current treatment court data.
Statistics are attributed to their original reporting periods and sources. MATCP provides these resources for educational and informational purposes.