The following publications are free, except for the "Unified Family Courts: A Progress Report," which has a $2.00 charge for shipping and handling per report. If you would like to request a copy, please call or fax Suzannah Lessard at 202/662-1785, fax 202/662-1787 or e-mail your request to: subabuse@abanet.org.

The Committee has also collaborating with the Office of Drug Control Policy to produce a brochure entitled "Lawyers and Substance Abuse Prevention." The brochure covers the consequences of substance abuse such as economic costs, engendering violence and crime and eroding the social fabric. It points out that lawyers are in a position to encounter people who are in the grips of addiction and gives pointers on how to spot it. Furthermore the brochure outlines the importance of treatment and enumerates the ways in which lawyers can help through their practices and through their bar associations.

Truancy, Literacy and the Courts: A User's manual for setting up a Truancy Intervention Program.
The connection between illiteracy and subtance abuse as well as crime has been well known for a long time. And yet truancy from school, where the problem begins, has proven to be difficult to change. This manual describes in detail the components of a successful truancy intervention program in Louisville, Kentucky, and the procedure for setting up a similar program, through the courts. The experience at sites of similar programs in Baltimore, Phoenix and Kansas City enriches the text. The intention of the manual is to provide practical guidance to educators, jurists and other professionals who are interested in arresting illiteracy in the early stages. For those who want to know more about Judge Byer's work, click here.

ufcrepor.pdf (766 kb)Unified Family Courts: A Progress Report
Released at the 1998 "ABA Summit on Unified Family Courts: Exploring Solutions for Families, Women and Children in Crisis" , this report is designed to assist those learning about unified family courts for the first time and for those who have established them but want to improve their legal systems. It provides a brief description of unified family courts throughout the country, including the court's formal name, its location, jurisdiction, case volume, social services delivery and noteworthy characteristics.

New Directions for National Substance Abuse Policy by the Special Committee on the Drug Crisis.
This report is aimed at providing a framework of ways of approaching constituencies and government officials on the issues surrounding the drug problems of this nation. This paper is the result of discussions between a group of individuals representing a broad spectrum of interests convened by the ABA. This group put aside their own personal agendas in order to produce a comprehensive and practical drug policy to confront this country's most serious health problems -- substance abuse and related violence.

Drug Courts: A Manual For Planning And Implementation by Judge Jamey H. Weitzman.
This manual is designed to identify issues to be considered in planning and implementing a drug court program. The topics discussed and examples provided are not meant to be exhaustive but are intended as a supplement to independent inquiry and examination.

abaguide.txt (198kb) - Download
Lawyers As Volunteers...Addressing Substance Abuse and Violence In Communities Program Guide by The Special Committee on the Drug Crisis.
The most effective strategies for addressing substance abuse and drug-related violence are those that are comprehensive and that involve all sectors of the community. This program guide provides examples of programs that can be implemented by members of the legal profession, as well as by nonlawyers, at the local level and within the structure of a community coalition. It also provides examples of programs designed to address the many other social service, employment and health needs that persons with addictions often face.

monogra.txt (161kb) - Download
Attorney's Guide to Drugs in the Workplace by ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law and ABA Standing Committee on Substance Abuse.
This monograph originated at an ABA symposium in October 1994 at the George Meany Center of Labor Studies in Silver Spring, Maryland. The "Attorney's Guide" is a balanced document intended to help foster informed policy choices by systematically reviewing options and consequences. It addresses considerations when: deciding whether to create a DFWP; choosing a strategy for implementing a DFWP; researching legal and discretionary issues; designing and operating a biochemical testing program; and providing for rehabilitation and recovery.