Marion County Adult Drug Court Process Evaluation Final Report

• NCJ Number: 203595
• Author(s): Shannon M. Carey Ph.D.; Judy Weller B.S.; Becky Roth B.S.
• Date Published: September 2003
• Length: 36 pages
• Corporate Author: NCP Research, Inc.
• Sale Source: NCP Research, Inc.
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded January 6, 2004.

Annotation

This final report presents the results of a process evaluation of the Marion County Adult Drug Court.

Abstract

Following the April 2000 pilot Adult Drug Court, Marion County’s Adult Drug Court became fully operational in September 2001. The evaluation is based on data obtained from observations of court sessions and team meetings, informant interviews, focus groups, and the drug court database. The evaluation criteria are based on the Ten Key Components of Drug Courts. Following a discussion of the Marion County Adult Drug Court goals, capacity, enrollment, incentives for enrollment, and eligibility, the evaluation focuses on the three phases of the drug court, which are estimated to take approximately 1 year to complete. Phase 1 involves stabilization, orientation, and intensive treatment; Phase 2 involves skill building; and Phase 3 focuses on transition. Drug testing, rewards, and sanctions are also reviewed, with the recommendation that more rewards be incorporated into the program and guidelines be written for graduated sanctions. Following an in-depth coverage of the results of the focus group meetings, the report offers an evaluation of how well the Marion County Adult Drug Court is implementing the Ten Key Components of Drug Courts. Overall, the results indicate that the Marion County Adult Drug Court demonstrates the Ten Key Components of Drug Courts in exemplary fashion. The drug court has a high degree of team integration and uses a non-adversarial approach that works in the best interests of the participants. Eligibility is easily identifiable and participants enter the program swiftly. Especially strong components of the program include its diverse and specialized treatment and the ongoing interaction between the judge and the participants. Other laudable features of this drug court are the involvement of law enforcement on the drug court team and the presence of a 12-step representative during drug court sessions. Recommendations include the use of low- and no-cost rewards, graduated sanctions, and written guidelines for participants. Finally, it is recommended that the drug court incorporate a team member from the employment agency to help participants locate jobs upon graduation.