During National County Government Month, Genesee County is proud to highlight programs and services that make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents.

Please take a moment to read about one of the true gems of the legal system in Genesee County: Our specialty courts. These courts set us apart as a public-service-oriented organization focused on making an impact on our residents every day. Specialty courts offer alternative approaches to traditional criminal justice proceedings, focusing on treatment and support rather than punishment.

If you ever get the opportunity to go to a specialty court and hear from residents who have been served well by it, you must. We often hear about life-altering decisions that people make in the context of committing crimes, but rarely do we hear about people who take advantage of a second chance and change the trajectory of their lives for the better.

This is what our specialty courts are all about.

Here’s a great summary of what these courts offer the residents of Genesee County, written by our Specialty Courts Director, Breana Benham. It appears in the April Edition of the Hearsay Newsletter, published by the Circuit and Probate Courts of Genesee County:

Specialty Courts in Genesee County continue to make a significant impact by focusing on treatment, accountability, and rehabilitation rather than traditional incarceration. These programs serve individuals whose involvement in the justice system is often connected to substance use and/or mental health challenges, and they provide structured supervision, treatment services, and support to help participants achieve long-term stability.

Since their inception, Genesee County’s Specialty Court programs have served thousands of participants and celebrated hundreds of successful graduates. The Veterans Treatment Court has served 175 participants, with 121 successfully completing the program. The Mental Health Court has served 906 participants, with 478 successful graduates. The Recovery Court has served 1,151 participants, with 514 successful graduates. The Family Treatment Court has served 476 participants, with 170 successful graduates.

These outcomes reflect the ongoing commitment of the courts and our community partners to provide evidence-based treatment, intensive supervision, and supportive services that address the root causes of criminal justice involvement. Specialty Courts not only help participants achieve sobriety, mental health stability, and family reunification, but they also contribute to safer communities and reduced recidivism by helping individuals build stable, productive lives.

As these programs continue to grow, the success of Specialty Courts in Genesee County demonstrates the value of a collaborative, treatment-focused approach within the justice system—one that emphasizes recovery, accountability, and long-term positive change. Though not every story is one of success, opportunities are offered to those who are ready and willing for a major life change.