Summary of State and Local Justice Initiatives 2000

DRUGS, ALCOHOL, drug courts

The creation of drug courts and unified family courts to help the justice system better respond to substance abuse has long been advocated by many. As a result, numerous states are working toward an more efficient and even compassionate approach to the issue of substance abuse.

Adult and juvenile drug court programs in several Arizona counties provide a non-traditional approach to dealing with criminal offenders who are substance abusers by providing continuing monitoring, supervision and treatment. The Drug Court mission is to enhance community safety by reducing recidivism and enabling individuals to become functional members of society.

The California Drug Court Project, established in 1996, continues to encourage the development of drug courts throughout the state by providing seed funding and technical support. Most recently, the project administered the distribution of mini-grants to 36 California drug courts.

The Delaware Court of Common Pleas has a successful drug court where a defendant who successfully completes the program does not end up with a criminal charge for this offense on his/her record. This program is currently the subject of a National Institute of Drug Abuse grant studying the impact of the judge-centered model on the drug courts.

The North Dakota Supreme Court established a Juvenile Drug Court Planning Committee in 1998 including representatives from the executive branch, legislative branch, law enforcement, educators, citizen members and judges. The committee is charged with exploring how a Juvenile Drug Court would operate, juvenile drug trends and treatment options.

For further information contact the The ABA Standing Committee on Substance Abuse 202/662-1784.