NCJ Number
189151
Journal
Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2001 Pages: 89-104
Date Published
May 2001
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study describes the Hawaii Drug Court; analyzes cases reviewed for admittance during January through June 1996; and presents findings from interviews with drug treatment providers, judges, and administrators.
Abstract
The drug court sentencing model provides court monitoring and immediate, tangible punitive consequences for noncompliance with program requirements. It also offers a strongly supportive group that provides a range of treatment options with which the defendant must be involved. The drug court in Honolulu, HI, aims to reduce jail admissions and average length of stay for the target population, reduce recidivism among offenders with alcohol and drug problems, shorten the judicial system’s response time for violations, and reduce criminal justice costs. To assess the program's performance an analysis of data from 102 of the 103 cases admitted to the court and all 120 eligible applicants who declined or were rejected during the study period were reviewed. Results revealed that the effect of the drug court varied with the risk level of the individuals. The analysis concluded that the program had adhered to its mission statement and met its stated goals. However, it was premature to conclude that the Hawaii Drug Court was a proven success without a follow-up study of the individuals who graduated. Tables and 7 references (Author abstract modified)