Research indicates that Treatment Courts are the most effective strategy in reducing recidivism, especially among drug dependent offenders and offenders with serious and persistent mental illness. Below please find statistics that speak to the success of these programs, along with the list of accredited Treatment Courts in Pennsylvania.
Treatment Courts
in PA
AOPC Treatment Courts Data
Key Components of Drug Courts
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Drug courts integrate alcohol and other drug treatment services with justice system case processing.
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Using a non-adversarial approach, prosecution and defense counsel promote public safety while protecting participants’ due process rights.
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Eligible participants are identified early and promptly placed in the drug court program.
- Drug courts provide access to a continuum of alcohol and other drug and related treatment and rehabilitation services.
- Abstinence is monitored by frequent alcohol and other drug testing.
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A coordinated strategy governs drug court responses to participants’ compliance.
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Ongoing judicial interaction with each drug court participant is essential.
- Monitoring and evaluation measure the achievement of program goals and gauge effectiveness.
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Continuing interdisciplinary education promotes effective drug court planning, implementation and operations.
- Forging partnerships among drug courts, public agencies and community-based organizations generates local support and enhances drug court effectiveness.