US-style problem-solving courts - how relevant to the UK?

Prime Minister David Cameron set out plans back in February for an overhaul of the prison system - promised to be the biggest shake up since the Victorian era, he claimed. Included in the proposals was a commitment to re-introduce problem-solving courts.

We waste some £9.5bn a year locking people up. And to make it worse at least half of all those sent to prison reoffend. Most are there for non-serious offending, on short-term sentences. Could problem-solving courts be the answer?

Originally established in Miami in 1989, problem-solving courts see offenders dealt with in a more therapeutic, holistic and participatory way. Progress is overseen by judges who work to address underlying reasons for offending. They do this by working closely with criminal justice agencies - offered as a sort of "one-stop shop".

In addition to what Cameron has said, Justice Secretary Michael Gove has further promised to re-introduce US-style problem-solving courts. It is claimed he has worked hard to convince judges of their merits. This is important, as of course magistrates and judges will be crucial to their success. 

Penelope Gibbs - chair of the Standing Committee for Youth Justice and CEO/founder of Transform Justice - has written an excellent blog on the government's plans to relaunch problem-solving courts. I will not repeat what was said but note some key challenges to complement Penelope's points and provoke discussion and ignite debate: