Certification Procedures and Information
Ohio judges who operate a therapeutically oriented session of court may receive docket certification from the Supreme Court of Ohio.
The procedures for certification are found in Sup.R. 36.20 through 36.26, and include an application, submission of program materials, and a site visit.
The standards by which dockets are evaluated are set forth in Appendix I to the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio. While the Specialized Docket Standards create a minimum level of uniform practices for specialized dockets, they still allow local dockets to innovate and tailor their program to respond to local needs and resources.
Certification is granted when the written materials and the site review demonstrate compliance with the certification standards. Topics that are not expressly set forth in the certification standards are not evaluated. For more details about the advantages of certification and other specifics, see Specialized Docket Certification FAQs.
Please call 614.387.9409 or email specdocs@sc.ohio.gov with further questions or to request a certification application.
National Best Practices Resources
Reentry Specialized Docket Guidance
Concurrent Supervision in a Specialized Docket (2024)
Response for Ohio Courts on Opioid and Other Drug Overdoses (2022)
Racial and Ethnic Disparities Guidance for Specialized Dockets (2021)
Constitutional Rights of Participants Guidance (March 2021)
Substance Monitoring Guidance (March 2021)
Principles for the Use of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Specialized Dockets (March 2021)
Core Components of Domestic Violence Courts: A National Perspective for Ohio Courts (March 2021)
Domestic Violence Specialized Docket Guiding Document (March 2021)
Application for Certification as a Specialized Docket
Certification Submission Guidelines
Specialized Dockets: The Path to Certification Overview
Post Final Certification: Maintenance of Certification Materials Form
Frequently Asked Questions Specialized Docket Certification