Drug Court
Overview
Drug courts seek to halt the revolving door of addiction and arrest by linking addicted offenders to drug treatment and rigorous judicial monitoring. They bring together judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, treatment providers and court staff in a collaborative effort to enforce compliance with court orders. Drug courts also use a system of graduated rewards and sanctions to help substance abusers attain—and maintain—a drug-free life. Today, thanks to growing evidence that drug courts have reduced substance abuse and recidivism—including a groundbreaking study by researchers from the Center for Court Innovation—there are over 2,300 drug courts in all 50 states. The Center for Court Innovation has been an active player in the drug court field, developing New York City's first drug court, providing technical assistance across the country, and advancing knowledge through research, reflection, and technology. In recognition of this work, the Center received the National Leadership Award from the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.
To get help planning, implementing, or evaluating a drug court, click here.
Online Learning
The Center for Court Innovation, with the support of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, has launched a new National Drug Court Online Learning System. The system offers free access to web-based drug court training, including video lessons by experts in the field, virtual site visits of drug treatment courts around the country, interviews with practitioners, and a resource library of documents and reference tools.
To access the system, click here.
Technical Assistance
With support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Center has created a new home on the Internet for state court administrators looking for help institutionalizing drug courts in their states. Visit drugcourtta.org to find resources, information and strategies for administering drug courts on a statewide basis. This includes help with planning, operations, evaluations and data collection.
