Key Components of Drug Treatment Courts Toluca, Mexico November 21, 2013 Robin Cuff Toronto 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 1. Integrated justice/health care and other drug treatment services system processing of common with justice system case processing. casework.
• Moving from “protecting” clients from the judicial system to instilling trust !
2. Using a non-adversarial 2. Non-adversarial approach to approach, prosecution and defense case problem-solving by the judge, counsel promote public safety prosecutor and defense. while protecting participants’ due process rights.
• 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.
• In an instant gratification framework, delaying treatment is not advisable – clients may not wait • Engage when motivation is high
3. Prompt and objective identification and program placement of eligible offenders.
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 noncompliance 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).
• • • • •
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!
ABI Trauma Women Aboriginal/Cultural Concurrent Disorders……