Registration is now open for the Supreme Court of Ohio’s annual Specialized Dockets Conference. The daylong event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at the Ohio Union, 1739 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43210.

The conference brings together judges, court staff, treatment providers, and community partners for training and collaboration sessions focused on best practices in the field. The program is designed for professionals currently serving on a specialized docket, as well as those considering implementing one.

Registration Details

• Cost: Registration is free for both in-person and virtual attendance.

• Deadline: Registration closes two weeks prior to the event.

• Virtual access: Virtual attendees are limited to the virtual conference agenda.

• Continuing education: In-person and virtual attendees can earn up to 6.0 continuing education credit hours.

Featured Sessions
The program opens with a plenary session led by former Judge Linda Davis, executive director of Face Addiction Now. Drawing on her experience as a prosecutor, judge, parent, and advocate, Davis will address addiction, resilience, and purpose. Her session challenges common misconceptions about substance use disorders and examines how compassion and community action can support lasting change.

The afternoon plenary, presented by Dominick DePhilippis, PhD, will focus on contingency management for the treatment of stimulant use disorder. This evidence-based approach uses incentives to promote positive behavior change. DePhilippis will examine its core principles and practical application within justice settings.

Attendees can also choose from a wide range of breakout sessions. Topics include:

• Trauma-informed practices.

• Veteran treatment courts.

• Domestic violence and intimate partner violence.

• Reentry courts.

• Peer-led recovery.

Sessions feature judges, coordinators, clinicians, researchers, and peer supporters from courts and organizations across Ohio and beyond.

Ohio is a national leader in specialized docket programming, with more than 200 programs certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio. These dockets address substance use and mental health disorders among adults and children involved in the justice system. Some programs serve a broad range of participants, while others focus on specific populations, such as those affected by domestic violence, human trafficking, veterans, or individuals reentering their communities.

To be certified, each court must adopt the Supreme Court’s research-based standards. Courts then tailor their dockets to the needs of their communities and participants. The goal is to serve individuals who need the most help and who demonstrate the highest risk of returning to the justice system. By treating the underlying causes of behavior rather than relying solely on punitive measures, specialized dockets help participants break harmful patterns and avoid future contact with courts, jail, or prison.