NCJ Number
142412
Date Published
1993
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Known as the "Drug Court," the Dade County (Florida) Diversion and Treatment Program channels nearly all nonviolent drug users from the traditional path of streets-to-court-to- jail to an innovative court-operated rehabilitation program.
Abstract
The program provides a year or more of treatment and case management services, while the defendant's progress is monitored through periodic urinalysis and court appearances. The court dismisses charges against defendants who successfully complete the program. The program is administered by a single judge, who talks to each defendant personally, explaining the program and using his discretion to tailor it to each client's needs. The program is divided into three phases. The primary goal of Phase I is detoxification through counseling and acupuncture; the client's individual treatment plan is developed in this phase as well. In Phase II, the client concentrates on maintaining abstinence by attending individual and group counseling sessions as well as local fellowship meetings. In the final phase, clients prepare themselves academically and occupationally for their reintegration into the community. Data on offender participation, successful completion, and recidivism indicate the program is reducing drug abuse. 3 figures and 7 notes