Strengthening Court Services in Alachua County, Florida

Overview

In partnership with the Alachua County Court Services Department, CEPP is supporting a comprehensive restructuring effort to strengthen operations, improve service delivery, and align the Department’s work with research and best practices.

The Department oversees several vital county functions, including pretrial services, probation, and treatment courts, and plays a central role in ensuring community safety and equitable justice. Building on an initial assessment conducted by the National Institute of Corrections, this project focuses on engaging staff and stakeholders to design a more effective, collaborative, and forward-looking organization.

Our Approach

CEPP guided the Court Services Department through an intensive process of reflection, design, and planning. The project commenced with on-site assessments and team-building sessions to gain an understanding of current operations and identify opportunities for growth. During two visits in March and June 2025, CEPP facilitators led trainings on topics such as creating a culture of success, building strong teams, understanding the first appearance process, and managing organizational change.

Drawing from these conversations and observations, CEPP synthesized feedback, reviewed local and state laws, and integrated national research to develop actionable recommendations for a new organizational structure. A resulting report provided a roadmap for a more cohesive, effective, and efficient department.

CEPP is working alongside county leadership to implement these recommendations, supporting staff through the transition and ensuring long-term sustainability. Throughout this process, CEPP’s collaborative approach emphasizes stakeholder engagement, transparent communication, and practical solutions rooted in evidence and experience.

The Impact

This reorganization will lay the foundation for a stronger, more responsive Court Services Department—one that operates efficiently, supports its staff, and serves the community with fairness and integrity. Specifically, the project is helping Alachua County:

• Foster a culture of collaboration and accountability across pretrial, probation, and treatment court functions
• Clarify roles and processes to streamline decision-making and enhance efficiency
• Align operations with evidence-based practices and Florida’s statutory framework
• Build leadership and staff capacity to sustain improvements over time

By empowering local leaders and staff to design the change they wish to see, CEPP is helping Alachua County build a justice system that better meets the needs of its community—today and in the future.