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What is a Drug Court?
Drug courts are the coordinated efforts of the judge, prosecutor, defense
attorney, law enforcement, social services, probation and treatment community
to quickly identify and intervene with selected non-violent substance
abusing offenders (both drugs and alcohol) in order to break the cycle
of substance abuse, addiction and crime. The judge is the central figure
in a team effort to keep participants engaged in treatment, to reward
progress for meeting goals and to sanction noncompliant behavior. Drug
court participants receive intensive monitoring from the court, are placed
under strict community supervision, undergo frequent drug testing and
engage in long-term substance abuse treatment. In addition, drug courts
assist participants in enhancing life-skills which may include things
such as: job training, education, family counseling, etc. Drug Courts
encourage participants to take control of their own recovery, but they
also have clear and definite rules which if broken are swiftly dealt with
by the judge.
How many drug courts are there?
Drug courts are worldwide, with 1,621 operational and 250 in the planning
stages within the U.S. (2008). Minnesota, has 30 drug courts (including
adult, juvenile and family drug courts) operating in five counties.
Who is involved in Drug Court?
The Drug Court Team consists of the following representatives:
- District Court Judge
- County Prosecutor
- Public Defender
- Law Enforcement Officers
- Probation Officers
- Case Managers
- Treatment Providers
Who is eligible for Drug Court?
Non-violent adult substance abusing offenders, most notably alcohol and
methamphetamine addicts who come to the attention of the Blue Earth County
District Court. This population was chosen because of the impact
their addiction and related criminal behavior has on their families, the
costs to the public health and social services system, and the safety
of the community.
Why do we need Drug Court?
Arrests related to substance abuse are on the rise in Blue Earth County,
particularly due to the methamphetamine epidemic. Here are some of the
facts:
- In 2000, Blue Earth County law enforcement conducted two “meth” lab seizures; in 2001, there were three; in 2002, there were 20; and in 2003, there were 25 after just six months.
- Since 2000, Blue Earth County’s probation caseload for drug-related crimes has more than doubled.
- Over 80 percent of all probation cases in Blue Earth County are the result of drug or alcohol crimes.
- 30 to 60 percent of offenders in the Blue Earth County jail are incarcerated for drug or alcohol arrests.
Are Drug Courts cost effective?
The treatment programs used by Drug Courts are relatively inexpensive
when compared to incarceration costs. While studies are ongoing, the California
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Assessment estimates a cost of less than $8
per day for outpatient treatment, compared to estimates of $86 per day
for incarceration (Incarceration costs in Blue Earth County are $52/day).
In addition, the savings to the community can be significant, including
a reduction of property crimes, reduced public health costs, and a decline
in out-of-home placements for children with parents addicted to drugs
and/or alcohol. Dallas estimates that $9.43 is saved for every $1.00 spent
on drug court, and Oregon projects a $10.00 savings for every $1.00 spent.
Are Drug Courts effective in reducing crime?
A recent national study conducted by the Urban Institute -- a non-partisan
economic and social policy research organization in Washington, D.C. --
concludes that 84 percent of drug court participants did not have any
criminal activity within one year of graduation.
How is chemical dependency treatment different in Drug Court?
Research shows that the longer a person is in treatment, the lower the
likelihood of relapse. Drug Court keeps offenders in treatment for 12
to 18 months. This long-term treatment, combined with the judge’s
ability to hand down immediate sanctions and rewards, makes Drug Court
different from existing correctional programs. Treatment services may
include:
- Group and individual therapy
- Individualized case management
- Urinalysis drug testing
- Placement in detox, residential treatment, sober living and mental health programs as deemed appropriate by the Drug Court Team and availability of resources.
Additional services may include job training and employment assistance, education (such as G.E.D.) and medical referrals.
How often does Drug Court convene?
Depending upon the phase they are in, Drug Court participants appear before
the judge weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. A report of each participant's
progress is prepared and given to the Drug Court Team prior to the hearing.
The judge is notified of positive and negative urinalysis tests, as well
as attendance at counseling and educational classes. The judge may increase
the frequency of drug testing and/or order increased participation in
programs as a requirement to stay in Drug Court. The judge may also order
jail time as a sanction.
For additional information about Blue Earth County Drug Court, contact Kevin Mettler at 304-4572 or kevin.mettler@co.blue-earth.mn.us
