How is a referral made to Drug Court?
Perspective participants are referred to the program, typically at the arraignment phase of the court process. The case is transferred to the Drug Court calendar and set for a Drug Court suitability hearing. At the court hearing, the DPO gives the “Drug Court Treatment AOD Referral Form” application to the defendant. The “Confidentiality Waiver For Drug Court Participants” document is also given to and completed by perspective participants which authorizes the Drug Court Team to discuss individual’s case(s) for the purposes of consultations, evaluation, and treatment planning. A further court date is set and the perspective participant is scheduled to meet with the DPO, typically within one week, for an intake interview.
At the intake interview, the DPO reviews rules and expectations of the program, treatment information (including Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA)), and has the defendant sign applicable forms. The defendant is expected to be in the office twice a week for testing (once a week if on the patch), attend AA/NA meetings twice a week, and participate in treatment (usually for 90 days).
What are Status/Review Hearings?
You will be required to appear at a status hearing on a weekly basis to once each month. At this hearing, your Probation Officer, the D.A., your attorney, and an alcohol and Drug Abuse Service Intervention Specialist will inform the Court of your progress and your compliance with program rules. Status review reports are completed by the DPO for each Drug Court participant when they have a scheduled review date in court. The reviews serve to inform the team of how the participant is doing regarding compliance with treatment and program rules and expectations. Based upon the report of the Team, the Court may make changes to your treatment requirements as needed.
What are Treatment Expectations?
All participants are expected to comply fully with their treatment plan which is developed by the Treatment Team. The treatment plan will include a combination of alcohol and drug resources, drug education, literacy training, acupuncture, group counseling, employment training, and/or any other service needed by you to help you improve your life and become drug free.