NCJ Number
206406
Journal
Spectrum: The Journal of State Government Volume: 72 Issue: 1 Dated: Winter 1999 Pages: 2-4
Date Published
1999
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This report describes the increasing use of drug courts as an alternative to prison for some drug offenders.
Abstract
Drug offenders are the most frequent offender to enter the criminal justice system, burdening a correctional system that is short on resources. As jurisdictions face jail and prison overcrowding, they are increasingly turning to an alternative way of dealing with drug offenders: drug courts. Drug courts were first developed in Miami, FL, and were designed to provide first-time felony drug offenders with a choice between prosecution and possible incarceration or participation in a 1-year treatment program. There are currently over 48 States that either have or are planning drug courts because they make good fiscal sense and they help ease prison overcrowding problems. Drug court design varies by jurisdiction and is largely dictated by the types of drug cases handled in particular jurisdictions. Funding is generally obtained from several sources, including other criminal justice agencies, such as parole and pretrial services. Some programs have diverted seized assets and funds from drug cases into drug court programs. The drug court model is also increasingly being utilized for juvenile drug offenders. Program design is based on the adult model, yet also must address other issues particular to juveniles, such as the influence of peers and family. Juvenile drug courts tend to incorporate a more comprehensive in-take assessment and provide greater coordination between criminal justice agencies, treatment providers, family, and school. A report by a Washington, DC-based research firm concluded that while evaluation results were not yet conclusive, evidence suggests that drug courts are effective at reducing recidivism among drug offenders and lowering criminal justice costs. Current efforts are underway to unify the structure of drug courts and form a common set of features and goals. Exhibit