NCJ Number
203594
Date Published
July 2002
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This report presents the results of a preliminary process evaluation of the 16th Judicial District of Tennessee Drug Court Program.
Abstract
In 1999, a pilot drug court was established in the 16th Judicial District of Tennessee and the first participants were admitted to the Drug Court Program in December 2000. This report provides information about the jurisdiction and population served by the drug court, including demographic characteristics for the counties served by the 16th District Drug Court. Data for the evaluation of the Drug Court Program were derived from an interview with the Drug Court Coordinator, a review of the policies and procedures of the drug court, and a review of the Adult Drug Court Implementation Grant proposal. Data from the ACCESS database of program participants were also reviewed. Following an overview of the mission, goals, and objectives of the drug court, as well as a review of the funding sources and the Drug Court Team and Board of Directors, the preliminary evaluation reviews the referral process, eligibility requirements, assessment process, and case processing. Types of supervision offered by the drug court and the support services provided by the court are reviewed. The preliminary evaluation discusses the three core phases of the drug court process, which is estimated to take approximately 13 to 18 months to complete. Participant obligations are reviewed, as well as sanctions and incentives, and aftercare options. The preliminary evaluation report includes demographic information about the program participants, as well as data regarding their level of compliance with the drug court program. The report concludes that the 16th Judicial District of Tennessee Drug Court Program has been effective in enrolling participants, administering services, and monitoring participants’ compliance with the program. Participants have had compliance rates between 83 percent and 98 percent for the weekly requirements. The number of active participants at any one time is approximately 50, with 76 participants enrolled in the program to date. The retention rate is 72 percent, comparable to the national average. The final process evaluation should include data obtained from interviews with key stakeholders, drug court participants, and drug court graduates. Tables