Adult Drug Courts: Evidence Indicates Recidivism Reductions and Mixed Results for Other Outcomes

摘要

Of the 1,700 drug court programs operating or planned as of September 2004, about 1,040nearly 770 operating and about 270 being planned were adult drug court programs, according to data collected by the Office of Justice Programs Drug Court Clearinghouse and Technical Assistance Project.5 The primary purpose of these programs is to use a courts authority to reduce crime by changing defendants substance abuse behavior. In exchange for the possibility of dismissed charges or reduced sentences, eligible defendants who agree to participate are diverted to drug court programs in various ways and at various stages in the judicial process. These programs are typically offered to defendants as an alternative to probation or short-term incarceration. Drug court programs share several general characteristics but vary in their specific policies and procedures because of, among other things, differences in local jurisdictions and criminal justice system practices. In general, judges preside over drug court proceedings, which are called status hearings; monitor defendants progress with mandatory drug testing; and prescribe sanctions and rewards as appropriate in collaboration with prosecutors, defense attorneys, treatment providers, and others. Drug court programs also vary in terms of the substance abuse treatment required. However, most programs offer a range of treatment options and generally require a minimum of about 1 year of participation before a defendant completes the program.