Drug Treatment Court

The Washington County Drug Treatment Court (WCDTC) was created in recognition that many individuals find themselves in the criminal justice system because of a substance use disorder. It is an alternative to traditional incarceration and probation that seeks to help participants overcome their addictions and lead healthy, law-abiding and productive lives, rather than simply punish them. The WCDTC is a program that employs a holistic and evidence-based approach to treatment and supervision.

A “drug court” as defined by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals is "a special court given the responsibility to handle cases involving drug-addicted offenders through an extensive supervision and treatment program.” Drug courts represent a nontraditional approach to prosecution of offenders who are addicted to drugs. Rather than focusing only on the crimes they commit and the punishments they receive, drug court also attempts to solve some of their underlying problems.

Drug courts are built upon a partnership between the criminal justice system and the treatment community. This collaboration results in a drug court team that structures treatment, supervision, and intervention in order to break the cycle of substance use and associated criminal activity. Drug court participants undergo long-term treatment and counseling, sanctions, incentives, and frequent court appearances.

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Mission Statement

The mission of the WCDTC is to provide a safe and effective alternative to the traditional criminal justice system for individuals with a substance use disorder. WCDTC emphasizes personal accountability as well as the importance of evidence-based treatment in order to address the underlying cause of criminal behavior, thereby reducing the recidivism of this population and increasing public safety in Washington County.

Goals

Reduce drug use and related criminal activity

Reduce recidivism rates

Hold participants accountable

Provide treatment for participants

Referral

Please complete the following form when referring a potential client for participation in the Washington County Adult Drug Treatment Court. Once received, program staff will reach out to the referring agency and/or client to set up an appointment for an assessment. At that appointment staff will determine eligibility and appropriateness for the program, explain the program rules and expectations, and discuss the next steps to engage in the program as well as treatment options with the client.
A “drug court” as defined by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals is "a special court given the responsibility to handle cases involving drug-addicted offenders through an extensive supervision and treatment program.” Drug courts represent a nontraditional approach to prosecution of offenders who are addicted to drugs. Rather than focusing only on the crimes they commit and the punishments they receive, drug court also attempts to solve some of their underlying problems.

Contact Us

Andrew FreemanWashington County Drug Treatment Court Coordinator

Department of Health & Human Services

Phone:262-335-4589Email Drug Treatment Court Coordinator