Drug Court Model
Drug courts are a judicially supervised, multi-disciplinary approach that seeks to
identify appropriate participants through structured assessment, who would otherwise
be sentenced to jail or prison, and place them in treatment. The goals of drug court
include a reduction in recidivism, enhanced community safety, providing treatment for
addicted individuals who would be sentenced to jail or prison, restoring families,
reducing substance abuse within the community and saving tax payer dollars. These
goals are met through a unique, non-adversarial method that attempts to meet the
needs of each individual while still holding them accountable for their behavior.
Drug court teams in each county, including a judge, prosecutor, defense
attorney, treatment staff, law enforcement, case manager and coordinator, meet
regularly to discuss the progress of each participant in the program. Using a system of
graduated rewards and sanctions, participants move through the program and advance
to phases that will eventually end with a graduation or successful completion of the
program. Participants must agree to be randomly drug tested at least 2 times a week,
attend weekly treatment sessions that meet three hours per day, three times per week,
report to probation or supervision units regularly, attend self-help groups, attend court
hearings at least once every other week, and other requirements that will be identified to
meet their specific needs. As participants progress through the program, reporting
requirements are reduced. Team meetings involve open, candid discussions about each
individual’s success or failures which are then reviewed in open court with the
participant present. Behavior is addressed directly and swiftly and rewards or sanctions
are delivered in the appropriate situations.
Long term recovery may be difficult for those who are deeply addicted. However,
with appropriate coaching, strategies and support, recovery is a reality for many. This
process is critical and is incorporated into the program from the beginning.
The National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) created the 10
Key Components of Adult Drug Courts as well as recently published national best
practice standards to ensure consistency among programs and to maximize the
success of the model.
