Drugs courts combine intensive judicial supervision, mandatory drug testing, treatment and incentives to help offenders with substance abuse problems break the cycle of addiction and crime.
Drug court teams are typically lead by a judge and include a prosecutor, defense counsel, treatment provider, probation officers, law enforcement and court coordinator who work together to support and monitor a participant's recovery. They maintain a critical balance of authority, supervision, support and encouragement.
Court programs require intensive supervision based on frequent drug testing and court appearances, and implement tightly structured treatment processes and recovery services. This high level of supervision allows supervisors to react swiftly to impose appropriate sanctions or reinstate criminal proceedings when participants do not comply with the program.
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.
The objective of the accreditation process is to assess a problem solving court's adherence to the 10 Key Components of Drug Courts, which are the nationally recognized framework for program operation. Close adherence to these components has a direct correlation with program outcomes.
current as of January 2013