News
Northampton County Treatment Courts Earn Pennsylvania Supreme Court Certification
August 27, 2026
Northampton County President Judge Craig Dally announced today that the county Recovery Court has officially earned certification from the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
Certification marks an important step for the county’s justice system. It shows these programs use proven methods and deliver high-quality services resulting in increased rates of recovery for participants, helping them to build stable, productive lives.
“Seeing Northampton County’s treatment courts receive this certification from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts is especially meaningful to me,” said Northampton County President Judge Craig Dally. “When we started these courts in 2015, our goal was to recognize that some of the people who come before the court need more than punishment—they need accountability, treatment, support, and an opportunity to change the course of their lives.”
“This certification is a testament to the commitment and hard work of our Administrative Judge Jennifer R. Sletvold, probation officers, court staff, treatment providers, attorneys, and community partners who have continued to build upon that vision. Most importantly, it reflects our commitment to achieving better outcomes for the individuals and families we serve while making our community safer and stronger.
“I am proud of what Northampton County’s treatment courts have accomplished over the past decade, and I am particularly proud that the program we established in 2015 continues to evolve and meet the highest standards established by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.”
Treatment court programs help eligible people get treatment and support as they prepare to return to their communities. In Northampton County, these certified courts connect participants with jobs, housing, treatment, and other needed services.
“I am incredibly proud of our entire Recovery Court team and the unwavering dedication they demonstrate to every participant who comes before us. Their commitment to providing meaningful support, accountability and access to treatment reflects the very best of what treatment courts can accomplish,” said Common Pleas Administrative Judge of Treatment Courts Jennifer Slevtold.
“The team’s exceptional work and adherence to evidence-based practices enabled the court to meet all the best-practice standards required for certification. This achievement is a testament to their professionalism, collaboration and steadfast belief in the potential of every participant to achieve lasting recovery and build a healthier, more productive future.”
Treatment courts aim to help people change through treatment instead of sending them to jail. Judges are more involved, and participants receive close supervision and access to the services they need.
In Northampton County, judges, probation officers, treatment providers, and other professionals work as a team. Together, they help participants build sober, productive lives and create a sense of shared purpose and trust.
Pennsylvania’s first drug court opened in Philadelphia in 1997, starting a strong statewide movement. Since then, programs have expanded to include DUI courts, juvenile drug courts, veterans courts and mental health courts. This growth shows our courts’ commitment to meeting the needs of different groups.
Today, Pennsylvania has more than 136 treatment courts. These courts help people with substance use, mental health, and co-occurring disorders work toward recovery and build support in their communities. Pennsylvania leads by building partnerships and investing significant resources in these programs.
Editor’s Note:
Northampton County’s Recovery Court program began in 2015 as an alternative to traditional sentencing for non-violent offenders struggling with substance use. The program identifies eligible participants, assesses their needs and creates individualized treatment plans. Using proven, evidence-based practices, it provides intensive treatment, close supervision, and regular interaction with a judge over a minimum of 15 months.
Working together as a team, the treatment court professionals address participants’ treatment and community needs while holding them accountable. The program runs for at least 24 months, with progress based on meeting program goals and following treatment plans. Instead of serving time in jail, participants complete their sentence at home under electronic monitoring.
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Media Contact: Stacey Witalec, 717-877-2997