At Coudersport Rotary Club’s November 10, 2025, meeting at A&W West End Grill, Rotarian Ruth Sallade introduced this week’s speaker, her nephew Judge Steve Minor, also a Coudersport Rotarian, who shared an overview of Potter County’s Treatment Court and ongoing mental health initiatives. Minor, who has served on the bench for 16 years, said he and Judge Leete first explored Treatment Court in 2011 after noticing generations of families cycling through the criminal system, often due to addiction.

Potter County launched its Treatment Court in 2013 and has since graduated 100 participants with a very low rate of reoffending. The program combines counseling, 12-Step recovery, regular check-ins with the judge, and trauma therapy. Minor described the program as a supportive “Court of Mercy,” where participants receive encouragement as they work toward recovery. Monitoring devices such as drug patches may be used until participants demonstrate trustworthiness.

Re-Entry Coordinator Patrick Harris assists individuals leaving prison by helping them secure housing, food, insurance, therapy, and transportation. A Recovery and Resource Center in the Gunzberger Building provides additional support for those struggling.

Minor noted that Potter County has become a statewide model for Treatment Courts, proving that effective programs can be built with limited financial resources. Half of Pennsylvania’s counties now operate similar courts.

Mental health remains a growing concern, particularly as jails increasingly house individuals experiencing psychotic episodes due to a lack of treatment options. Potter County representatives recently participated in a statewide Mental Health Symposium, with a regional follow-up scheduled for August in Warren.

Minor emphasized that long-term success comes not from fear-based programs but from consistent support and encouragement. Programs for youth remain separate from adult initiatives to ensure effectiveness and safety.

Thank you Judge Minor for your interesting and crucial presentation!