The Drug Court Team is comprised of a judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, Parole and Probation representative, treatment representative, assessor, case managers, and a program administrator. This Team is responsible for providing the services and supervision necessary for you to successfully complete this program.
Is the evaluator a part of the drug court team?
The evaluator, while generally considered a part of the drug court team, does not participate in drug court team reviews as it compromises the objectivity of the evaluator and the integrity of the evaluation process. COURT SUPPORT STAFF Court support staff includes courtroom clerk, the court reporter, and court security.
What are the different types of drug court services?
These services include risk and needs assessment, judicial interaction, monitoring and supervision, graduated sanctions and incentives, treatment, and various rehabilitation services. Juvenile drug courts apply a similar program model that is tailored to the needs of youth with substance use disorders.
What does a drug court judge do?
DRUG COURT JUDGE:The judge presides over the court proceedings and monitors appropriate application of disciplines, sanctions and incentives while maintaining the integrity of the court.
What is a drug court program?
Overview As provided in the National Institute of Justice's Overview of Drug Courts article, drug courts are specialized court docket programs that target criminal defendants and offenders, juvenile offenders, and parents with pending child welfare cases who have alcohol and other drug dependency problems.
What is the function of a drug treatment court?
Drug courts integrate alcohol and other drug treatment services with justice system case processing. The mission of drug courts is to stop the abuse of alcohol and other drugs and related criminal activity. Drug courts promote recovery through a coordinated response to offenders dependent on alcohol and other drugs.
What are the three types of drug courts?
Drug Courts. Specialized court docket programs that help criminal defendants and offenders, juvenile offenders, and parents with pending child welfare cases who have alcohol and other drug dependency problems.Adult Drug Courts and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Dependence. ... Family Treatment Drug Courts.
What is the drug treatment court in Ireland?
The Drug Treatment Court (DTC) is a District Court that provides supervised treatment, education and rehabilitation for offenders with problem drug use. It is an alternative to custody. You must have pleaded guilty or have been convicted of non-violent crimes in the District Court.
How does Drug Court work in PA?
Drug Court Programs were created for people with substance abuse problems who have been arrested or charged with drug possession. They typically combine mandatory drug testing, substance abuse treatment, and judicial supervision to help people get off drugs and out of the criminal justice system.
What is the first stage of the drug court process?
Typically, the drug court process begins shortly after arrest, when an individual undergoes initial screening for program eli- gibility. Often this involves a standardized questionnaire that is used to determine the type and severity of dependency and suitability for the drug court program.
What are the cons of drug courts?
List of the Cons of Drug CourtsIt can cause drug offenders to receive a lighter sentence for their actions. ... There is less supervision with a drug court compared to probation programs. ... It eliminates the benefits of treatment and therapy with a relapse.More items...•
Are Drug Treatment Courts successful?
Participating judges have sought and received training in addictions issues and drug court best practices. Alberta's DTCs have demonstrated a measure of success in dealing with a very difficult and challenging offender population.
How long is drug court in PA?
About the Program The Chester County Drug Court Program is a 12-month (minimum) to 24-month program, consisting of four phases of supervision. Drug Court is a collaborative effort among the Court, District Attorney's Office, Public Defender's Office, Office of Drug and Alcohol Services, Bail Agency and Adult Probation.
How many drug courts are in Pennsylvania?
Drug Courts have come a long way in Pennsylvania since the first one opened in 1997. There are now over 90 problem solving courts in the Commonwealth including Drug Courts (adult and juvenile), DUI Courts, Mental Health Courts and Veterans Courts.
Are there drug courts in Pennsylvania?
PADCP. Pennsylvania's first drug court lead to the creation of the Pennsylvania Association of Drug Court Professionals (PADCP), an advocate for the establishment of drug courts throughout the Commonwealth. Learn more.
What is a drug court?
Drug court is a program within the judicial system that deals with nonviolent criminal cases involving drug users. The system was put in place with the goal of rehabilitating and reforming offenders with drug addiction problems.#N#It is a judicial trial court which handles cases of drug addicts as long as no violent activity is involved. This court is set up with the goal of reforming and rehabilitating the offender having drug control problems. Penalties are easy to pay, and if the person has been ordered to do jail time, then it is not for any long period. This court system actually involves many other systems which work in collaboration to bring about a change in the life of the person being tried. Many countries around the world have drug courts such as USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, etc. Systems differ according to customs and laws of the country.
What are the components of a drug court?
The components of a drug court which are involved in a case are: Judges. Prosecutors.
Why were drug courts introduced?
Drug courts were introduced at the beginning of 19 th century to instill fear in the drug addicts.
How does the court monitor abstinence?
Abstinence or quitting is monitored by using drug screening tests or alcohol tests performed after some interval.
Why is judicial supervision important?
Judicial supervision and fear of penalties and arrest due to substance abuse or recidivism ensures compliance to a great extent. According to an estimate people who complete their treatment remain sober and arrest free for longer periods of time.
How is drug court testing done?
Eligibility of a candidate for the drug court program is determined in court by the judge, and initial testing is done by the prosecutors in front of the judge which decides whether the person is the culprit of the charge or not. On spot, testing is done by fast processing devices such as breathalyzers, blood testing devices.
What is reentry court?
Reentry Courts – These courts help the ex-addicts to become sober and respectable citizens of the society after quitting drugs. Reintegration into the society is the hardest part, but these courts help the parolees in finding jobs, housing and helping them in taking family and social responsibilities.
What is treatment court?
Treatment courts are the single most successful intervention in our nation’s history for leading people living with substance use and mental health disorders out of the justice system and into lives of recovery and stability. Instead of viewing addiction as a moral failing, they view it as a disease. Instead of punishment, they offer treatment.
How did treatment courts change the world?
Treatment courts introduced humanity in a system that has relied on inhumane tactics for far too long, thereby changing our national perspective on what it means to serve justice. The principles of treatment courts have given rise to other incarceration alternatives, diversion programs, and sentencing reforms.
What was the war on drugs?
The war on drugs intensified during the 1980s, placing the justice system on the front lines of the cocaine epidemic. Both justice and treatment professionals alike began to recognize that not treating substance use and mental health disorders simply perpetuated a vicious cycle of relapse and recidivism.
How many people died from drug overdose in 2016?
Tragically, people with these disorders are more likely to be incarcerated than treated. 72,000. estimated Americans died of a drug overdose in 2016. 2/3. of all fatal drug overdoses in the US are due to opioids.
What is a drug court?
Drug courts are an innovative and effective solution to addressing substance use within the criminal court system. As the name implies, drug courts are specifically for persons with substance use disorders.
How do drug court programs work?
How Do Drug Courts Work? Drug court programs are for people charged with or convicted of criminal offenses, are likely to re-offend, and who are experiencing serious substance use disorders. There is no universal model for drug court programs but there are two common ways in which people enter drug court.
How effective are drug courts?
Drug courts are operating with incredible success across the country. They are effective at getting people into treatment — a key step in long-term sobriety. People who complete drug court programs are significantly less likely to be arrested again, compared to those who are sentenced with traditional punishments.
What is the intensive program in drug court?
The intensive program requires participants to maintain recovery, take on responsibilities, and work towards lifestyle changes. Under the supervision and authority of the court, their progress is monitored. Ultimately, drug courts reduce crime and affect real, positive change in people’s lives.
What happens if you fail to complete the drug court program?
If a participant fails to complete the program, their case will be processed as it normally would in the traditional criminal justice system. Drug court programs often include:
When did drug courts start?
Since their inception in 1989 , drug courts programs have expanded from serving just adults, to include juvenile drug treatment courts, DUI/DWI courts, family treatment courts, mental health courts, veterans treatment courts, tribal healing to wellness courts, and others.
What is the punishment for drug charges?
In traditional criminal court cases, defendants found guilty of drug charges are punished with long periods of incarceration. Drug court programs recognize that addiction is a chronic disease of the brain that affects behavior and impulse control.
Foundational Information
These resources serve as the foundation for adult drug courts and all team members should be well-versed in their content. Examples include: best practice standards, 10 key components, etc.
Operational Information
These sample documents are used by similar treatment court program types across the US and can be adapted for use within your program. Examples include: policy and procedure manuals, sanctions/incentives grids, participant handbooks, exit surveys, phase checklists, medication contracts, etc.
Who can refer an offender to a drug court?
Private attorneys, public defenders and deputy prosecuting attorneys may refer an offender to Drug Court Program staff. Once deemed eligible, an evidence-based assessment will be conducted and the offender will begin providing oral fluid or urine drug screens at local agencies. The multi-disciplinary team will then vote to accept the offender into the program. If the offender is accepted, the team will make a treatment recommendation and the Drug Court Plea Agreement will be negotiated and submitted to the court for entry into the Drug Court Program.
What is the Elkhart County Drug Court?
The Elkhart County Drug Court offers alternative methods of addressing substance use disorders and criminal behavior through a multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach for offenders addicted to or are abusing mood altering substances by providing intensive supervision . The mission of Drug Court is to reduce the use and demand for illegal substances, reduce criminal recidivism and increase public safety. Drug Court also provides the opportunity for treatment, resources and services to help participant’s recovery and become productive, responsible and law abiding citizens.
What are the rewards for participating in a courtroom?
Rewards, or incentives, for participants’ behavior include verbal praise from the Judge and team members, applause from Court staff, being excused from court early, gift cards, free drug screens, social support materials, sobriety tokens and certificates of achievement.
Is Elkhart County Drug Court a problem solving court?
The Elkhart County Drug Court was certified as a Problem Solving Court by the Indiana Office of Court Services in 2019. Drug Courts take an approach to help addicted offenders into long-term recovery by using a specialized model with a non-adversarial team.
