The first drug courts in Indiana began in 1996. As the number of drug courts increased, several drug courts began to seek support from the Indiana Judicial Center similar to the support provided to Court Alcohol and Drug Programs operating under IC 12-23-14. In 2001, the Court Alcohol and Drug Program Advisory Committee (CADPAC) formed a subcommittee to conduct a pilot project to examine the possibility of developing a certification program for drug courts. The pilot project was completed in 2001 and provided the subcommittee with a framework for drafting drug court legislation and drug court rules.

In 2002, the Indiana General Assembly enacted drug court legislation under IC 12-23-14.5.  Adult and juvenile drug courts that seek to operate under this chapter are required to submit to certification procedures overseen by the Indiana Judicial Center. In the spring of 2003, the Judicial Conference of Indiana adopted drug court rules, which provide a framework for certification of drug courts operating under the statute. In addition to certification, the Indiana Judicial Center provides training, technical assistance, and support to existing drug courts and those in the planning stages. In 2006, the Judicial Conference established the Problem-Solving Courts Committee to guide drug court and other problem-solving court activities at the state level. As of August 2007, there are 28 operational drug courts in Indiana with an additional five drug courts in the planning stages.