NCJ Number
189801
Date Published
April 2000
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This is a list of national organizations, publications, community leaders with an expertise in drug courts, and community stories.
Abstract
Drug courts are designed to stop abuse of alcohol and other drugs and related criminal activity by offering treatment to individuals whose criminal involvement stems from substance use. In exchange for successful completion of a treatment program, the court may dismiss the original charge, reduce or set aside a sentence, offer a lesser penalty, or offer a combination of these options. A drug court establishes an environment that the participant can understand, in which clear choices are presented, and in which individuals are encouraged to take control of their own recovery. According to the National Drug Court Institute, there are currently 361 drug courts in operation with 140,000 individuals enrolled in a drug court program. In addition, 220 drug courts are in the planning process. This list describes: (1) national organizations (National Drug Court Institute, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Drug Court Clearinghouse & Technical Assistance Project, and The National Association of Drug Court Professionals); (2) publications and how to order them; (3) national and community leaders; and (4) community stories.