NCJ Number
213697
Date Published
December 2005
Length
11 pages
Annotation
These standards recommended by the Supreme Court of Virginia provide a general framework of common principles, policies, and practices for the approval of new drug treatment courts in Virginia.
Abstract
The standards provide a uniform approach for the judicial branch in working with prosecutors, the defense bar, corrections officials, local government, law enforcement, social service agencies, and public and private treatment providers in addressing problems of substance abuse among offenders. The standards are sufficiently broad, however, in order to leave room for each drug treatment court to tailor its operations to local needs. There are 12 standards, with each standard accompanied by recommended practices for implementing the standard. The first standard states that drug treatment courts should depend upon a comprehensive and inclusive planning process, followed by a standard that indicates drug courts should integrate substance abuse treatment services with adjudication of the cases before the court. The third standard indicates that drug treatment courts should publish eligibility criteria that have been collaboratively developed, reviewed, and agreed upon by the drug treatment court team. A fourth standard requires drug treatment courts to incorporate a nonadversarial approach in which the judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, and others promote public safety while protecting the rights of participants. An emphasis on early identification and placement of eligible participants is recommended in the fifth standard. The sixth standard recommends that drug treatment courts provide access to a comprehensive continuum of substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation services; and the seventh standard indicates that abstinence should be monitored by frequent alcohol and other drug testing. Other standards pertain to the assessment of offender progress in interaction with the court and the evaluation of the effectiveness of court procedures.