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Treatment Courts

For general questions, please contact the Clackamas County Treatment Court Office at 503-655-8495.


​Clackamas County Treatment Courts are an alternative to normal case processing and addresses the recurring cycle of addiction, co-occurring disorders and court involvement. The programs are a unique collaboration of the Court and our local county and private partners. Each court program serves a specific set of case types and population of participants. Each program provides intensive supervision, support, and treatment for individuals who are involved in the criminal justice system and are ready to make a major life change. Entry into a Treatment Court is voluntary. All of the Clackamas County Programs follow National Association of Drug Court Professional and Criminal Justice Commission of Oregon recommended guidelines.

More information on treatment courts in Oregon and across the nation can be found through these links:


​This court is a felony case model with incentives and sanctions, intensive monitoring, individualized treatment and recovery support treatment plans. The program is structured to not only help participants find recovery, but to change their lives. The Adult Drug Court is for defendants with significant addiction and criminal histories; it is not a diversion program. The average person completes the program in 20 months.

Judge Kathie Steele administers the Adult Drug Court program.

For further questions, please contact Priscilla Goss, Treatment Court Coordinator, by calling 503-655-8495 or e​mailing the Treatment Court Coordinator.​

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For further information on the components and evaluation measures, please see the National Association of Drug Court Professionals website or Criminal Justice Commission of Oregon​.

  • ​​Drug courts integrate alcohol and other drug treatment services with justice system case processing.
  • Using a non-adversarial approach, prosecution and defense counsel promote public safety while protecting participants' due process rights.
  • Eligible participants are identified early and promptly placed in the drug court program.
  • Drug courts provide access to a continuum of alcohol, drug, and other related treatment and rehabilitation services.
  • Abstinence is monitored by frequent alcohol and other drug testing.
  • A coordinated strategy governs drug court responses to participants' compliance.
  • Monitoring and evaluation measure the achievement of program goals and gauge effectiveness.
  • Ongoing judicial interaction with each drug court participant is essential.
  • Continuing interdisciplinary education promotes effective drug court planning, implementation, and operations.
  • ​Forging partnerships among drug courts, public agencies, and community-based organizations generates local support and enhances drug court program effectiveness.


​Clackamas County DUII Treatment Court structure is based on the Ten Guiding Principles of DWI Courts. This program is designed for DUII offenders with two or more misdemeanor DUII's, Felony DUII or a DUII that resulted in a high Breathalyzer reading or Blood Alcohol Test. This program is intensive in its treatment, structure and accountability. The program uses the twelve step recovery approach with additional sanctions and incentives to help participants take accountability and grow in their recovery process.

Judge Todd Van Rysselberghe administers the DUII Treatment Court program.

For further questions, please contact Priscilla Goss, Treatment Court Coordinator, by calling 503-655-8495 or email​ing DUII Court Treatment Court Coordinator.​

​The Clackamas County Community Court works with Clackamas law enforcement and Clackamas social services to help support neighborhood safety. Community Court provides an efficient means of assuring accountability for a wide variety of non-violent, property-related offenses, including criminal trespass and theft. To support accountability among offenders, the Community Court requires that offenders contribute to the betterment of the neighborhood, usually through community service performed in the neighborhood. To address social issues that might increase the potential for re-offense, the Court insists on immediate interaction between the offender and social services to address underlying problems such as a lack of job skills, education deficiencies, or mental health concerns. Neighborhood leaders, businesses, service organizations and churches all have made contributions to these efforts. Community solutions to crime include a firm response to all crimes, early intervention with offenders, and creating or rebuilding connections between the offender and the community after the case is closed.

Judge Colleen Gilmartin administers this program.

For further questions, please contact Bill Stewart, Deputy District Attorney, by calling 503-722-2786 or emailing Deputy District Attorney.

​The Domestic Violence Deferred Sentencing Program (DVDSP) is available to defendants charged with misdemeanors involving domestic violence, such as assault or harassment. Defendants may have their case dismissed by completing classes aimed at teaching abuse prevention and conflict resolution techniques. The defendant is required to appear in court regularly to ensure compliance with the program.

Judge Ulanda Watkins administers the DVDSP program.

For further questions, please contact Judge Watkins Judicial Assistant, Nevada Peterson at 503-655-8686.

​The Mental Health Court began in November of 2003. As part of the Clackamas County Integrated Treatment Courts, the program endeavors to work closely with community partners to ensure an appropriate response to defendants with significant mental health concerns and co-occurring disorders. This court traditionally serves individuals with non-violent misdemeanors and felony’s with a significant Mental Health Diagnosis. This court is designed to provide wrap around services for this vulnerable population.

Judge Heather Karabeika administers the Mental Health Court.

For further questions, please contact Priscilla Goss by calling 503-655-8495.