Key Components of Drug Treatment Courts

Toluca, MexicoNovember 21, 2013

Robin CuffToronto Drug Treatment Court

Centre For Addiction and Mental Health

KEY PRINCIPLES:THE FOUNDATION of DRUG TREATMENT COURT

13 Key Components (International)

10 Key Principles(USA)

Treatment Considerations/Perspectives

1. Drug Courts integrate alcohol and other drug treatment services with justice system case processing.

1. Integrated justice/health care system processing of common casework.

• Moving from “protecting” clients from the judicial system to instilling trust !

2. Using a non-adversarial approach, prosecution and defense counsel promote public safety while protecting participants’ due process rights.

2. Non-adversarial approach to case problem-solving by the judge, prosecutor and defense.

• Each player fulfills his/her role, but no longer without consideration for others’ roles

• Treatment provides information to assist with the “culture change”

• Treatment participates and advocates

3. Eligible participants are identified early and promptly placed in the drug court program.

3. Prompt and objective identification and program placement of eligible offenders.

• In an instant gratification framework, delaying treatment is not advisable – clients may not wait

• Engage when motivation is high

KEY PRINCIPLES – THE FOUNDATION ……….continued

13 Key Components (International)

10 Key Principles(USA)

Treatment Considerations

4. Drug courts provide access to a continuum of alcohol, drug and other related treatment and rehabilitation services.

4. Access by participants to a broad continuum of treatment ad rehabilitation services.

• Treatment has a coordinating role (in some jurisdictions, probation)

• Ongoing assessment, goal setting, partnership with client

5. Abstinence is monitored by frequent alcohol and other drug testing.

5. Objective monitoring of participants’ compliance through substance abuse testing.

• Not a tool for punishment• Meant to help identify points for

intervention• Some clients says it helps “keep

them honest”6. A coordinated strategy governs drug court responses to participants’ compliance.

6. Coordinated strategic response to program compliance and non-compliance by all disciplines involved (police, prosecution, probation, treatment, social workers, court).

• “pre-court”, case discussion essential

• All work for the good of the client? (if client gets better, crime goes down)

KEY PRINCIPLES – THE FOUNDATION ……….continued

13 Key Components (International)

10 Key Principles(USA)

Treatment Considerations/Perspective

7. Ongoing judicial interaction with each drug court participant is essential.

7. Ongoing direct judicial interaction with participants.

• Good information sharing with the judge is essential

• Makes all the difference• (example – Anthony talking

directly to the judge)• Builds foundation for trust that

they matter – this IS different!8. Monitoring and evaluation measure the achievement of program goals and gauge effectiveness.

8. Program performance monitoring and evaluation (of both process and impact).

• This model can illicit criticism from all sides – it is important to know what works and why

• Always opportunity for improvement

9. Continuing interdisciplinary education promotes effective drug court planning, implementation, and operations.

9. Ongoing interdisciplinary education of the entire Drug Court team.

• Case discussion (treatment has a role in building understanding and capacity)

• Cross-training (legal 101, CBT, Trauma)

• Interdisciplinary team meetings

KEY PRINCIPLES – THE FOUNDATION ……….continued

13 Key Components (International)

10 Key Principles(USA)

Treatment Considerations

10. Forging partnerships among drug courts, public agencies, and community-based organizations generates local support and enhances drug court effectiveness.

10. Partnerships for program effectiveness and local community support.

• “it takes a village/community”• Brings “resources” to the table:

we need all the help we can get• Reduces stigma/discrimination

11. Ongoing case management including social reintegration support

• Recovery is not about stopping drug use – it’s about learning to live life and building skills, supports and resources.

12. Adjustable program content for groups with special needs (e.g. mental disorders).

• ABI• Trauma• Women• Aboriginal/Cultural• Concurrent Disorders……

13. Post treatment and after-care services should be established in order to enhance long-term program effects.

• “chronic and relapsing”• People change in the context of

positive relationships• Graduation: danger zone!