The Sarpy County Wellness Court is set to hold a graduation ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The event will take place in Courtroom 5 of the Sarpy County Courthouse located at 1210 Golden Gate Drive, Papillion, Nebraska. Judge Stefanie Martinez will preside over the ceremony.
The graduation marks the culmination of an intensive program for problem-solving court participants. These courts provide an alternative route through the criminal justice system for nonviolent drug-related offenders by integrating comprehensive behavioral health treatment and community supervision with full accountability measures.
Problem-solving courts aim to reduce recidivism and substance use among individuals with substance use disorders. The approach involves using validated risk and need assessments, early and individualized behavioral health treatment, frequent and random chemical testing, as well as incentives and sanctions. The ultimate goal is to enhance public safety while increasing the chances of successful rehabilitation for participants.
For more information or interviews regarding the event, interested parties can contact Creston Ashburn, Problem-Solving Court Coordinator, at (402) 593-2132. Media personnel are encouraged to bring court media credentials.
Further details about problem-solving courts can be found on their webpage. It is noted that all state courts in Nebraska operate under the administrative direction of the Supreme Court. Additionally, Nebraska's judicial system includes separate juvenile courts in Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy Counties alongside a statewide Workers’ Compensation Court.