In this episode, Justice Speaks continues its series about the role of State Treatment Court Coordinators. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect.

In this episode, we interview Erin Morgan, the Texas State Treatment Court Coordinator, who shares her professional journey and offers an insightful look into the evolving landscape of treatment courts in Texas. Originally interested in a career in marketing, Erin discovered her true passion in criminal justice, leading her into probation work. A significant turning point came in 2011 when she became involved in a DWI Court through a SAMHSA grant, sparking her deep commitment to the collaborative approach of treatment courts. Since then, Erin has actively contributed to her state association and has served on its board since 2015, demonstrating her ongoing dedication to advancing treatment court practices.

As the State Coordinator, Erin plays a crucial role in shaping data standards for Texas treatment courts. She explains that although many programs collect data, there is often a lack of tools for effective analysis, and some courts do not collect data at all. To address this, Erin has spent the past nine to ten months working on a Texas-specific standards document to establish best practices and consistent data collection methods. She draws valuable insights from other states like Colorado, Georgia, and Florida, which have developed strong data frameworks. Erin emphasizes that accurate, consistent data is essential for demonstrating program effectiveness and driving the broader treatment court movement forward.

Erin also discusses the funding mechanisms that sustain Texas treatment courts. She outlines a multifaceted system that includes local county funding, probation department budgets, nonprofit contributions, state grants, and federal support. A significant milestone came with the passage of the Ruben Reyes Act in 2021, which dedicated 1% of the state’s mixed beverage tax to specialty court funding. This legislative change increased annual funding from around $6-7 million to approximately $15 million, representing a major step forward in securing sustainable resources for treatment courts. Erin clarifies that while she provides operational guidance to the Governor’s office, the process of grant review and funding recommendations is managed by the Special Courts Advisory Council, ensuring a collaborative and well-informed approach to resource allocation.

A particularly exciting development is the recent funding secured for a statewide case management system for Texas specialty courts. Erin explains how this system will enable consistent collection and analysis of performance data, allowing courts to demonstrate outcomes more effectively and to inform decision-making at the state level. She candidly acknowledges the challenges posed by Texas’s vast geography, diverse demographics, and varying local resources. To promote accountability and ensure proper use of public funds, Erin advocates for implementing a certification or accreditation process for specialty courts.

Looking ahead, Erin envisions a future for Texas specialty courts characterized by consistent programmatic data, robust oversight frameworks, and improved statewide reporting capabilities. Her goal is to enhance court effectiveness, foster community support, and ensure that treatment courts continue to serve as vital, evidence-based alternatives within the justice system.

We wish to thank Erin Morgan for joining us on Justice Speaks. We also wish to thank Reconnect for sponsoring this podcast episode.

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