Title. Presentation. April 3,

Transcription

1 Title CMHA CMHA Waterloo Waterloo Wellington Wellington Dufferin Dufferin Presentation April 3, 2013 Welcome to the Region of Waterloo Drug Treatment Court Sharon Deally-Grzybowski, Manager MH and Justice Services Rob Davis, Concurrent Support Coordinator

2 Drug Treatment Court: The Objective Drug Treatment Courts were established from a desire to find a way to break the link between criminal behavior and crime and in so doing, save the lives of the persons caught in the unrelenting bondage of drug addiction and crime. These courts represent the marriage of the criminal justice process and the substance abuse treatment process.

3 Drug Treatment Courts Effective Save lives Increase public safety Help participants reduce or eliminate their drug use Help participants reduce or eliminate criminal behavior Reunite participants with their families, Assist participants to become productive members of society Experience overall improvements in personal well being

4 Drug Treatment Courts Drug Offenders pose a unique challenge to our court system; they are different than offenders who break other criminal laws. Traditional Court Systems focus on determination of guilt and sanctions, not the addiction problem. Judges require specialized training and courts need specialized services and supervision for offenders suffering with addictions.

5 A New Canadian Experience The first court was established in Miami, Florida,1989. Drug Treatment Courts are relatively new in Canada. The first Drug Treatment Court was established by Judge Paul Bentley in Toronto in In 2011, Drug Treatment Court was established in the Waterloo Region and 2013 in the Guelph Wellington Region.

6 Key Principles of Drug Treatment Court Drug Treatment Courts integrate addiction treatment services with justice system case processing Using a non-adversarial approach, prosecution and defence counsel promote public safety while protecting participants Charter rights Eligible participants are identified early and placed in the Drug Treatment Court program as promptly as possible Provide access to a continuum of drug, alcohol and other related treatment and rehabilitative services Program content should continually be adjusted to meet the needs of all components of the target population

7 Key Principles of Drug Treatment Courts Swift, certain and consistent sanctions or rewards for non-compliance or compliance Ongoing judicial interaction with each Drug Treatment Court participant is essential Monitoring and evaluation processes measure the achievement of program goals and gauge effectiveness A coordinated strategy governs response to participants compliance and non-compliance Compliance is objectively monitored by frequent substance testing

8 Key Principles of Drug Treatment Courts Continuing interdisciplinary education promotes effective Drug Treatment Court planning implementation, and operations Forging partnerships among courts, treatment and rehabilitation programs, public agencies and community based organizations generates local support and enhances program effectiveness Ongoing case management providing the social support necessary to achieve social reintegration Appropriate flexibility in adjusting program content, including incentives and sanctions to better achieve program results with particular groups such as women, indigenous people and minority ethnic gro

9 Drug Treatment Court (DTC) In the Region of Waterloo and Guelph Wellington Drug Treatment Court is an alternative court that works in collaboration with several agencies within the two regions in order to provide assistance to people with a history of substance use who are committing offences and their addiction is the root cause of their crime.

10 How Does Drug Treatment Court Operate? Drug Courts represent the coordinated efforts of justice and treatment professionals to actively intervene and break the cycle of substance abuse, addiction and crime. Drug courts are an alternative to less effective interventions. Drug courts quickly identify substance abusing offenders and place them under ongoing judicial monitoring and community supervision, coupled with effective, long-term treatment services.

11 Who Is Accepted Into DTC? Referrals are made by the Accused individual, Defense Counsel, Duty Counsel or Community Agency. The individual must consent to the referral. Accused persons who are dependent on cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, opiates, ecstasy, and methamphetamine Offence is considered non-violent, not serving a conditional sentence, or have committed an offence for personal gain. Such as, theft, commercial break and enter, drug possession, forging prescriptions, trafficking to support personal habit and other crimes directly related to a dependency on drugs

12 Screening Process Screening is an important first step that will help determine any concerns an Accused may have and whether they will be eligible for entry into Drug Treatment Court. Applicants wanting to be considered for Drug Treatment Court will undergo an intensive screening process that will determine their eligibility. Crown Screening: The main focus of the Crown Attorney is to ensure the safety of the public. The Crown Attorney will screen applicants to ensure that those who do not fit The Drug Treatment Court's criteria will not be admitted. Accused persons who are dependent on cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, opiates, methamphetamine, and ecstasy are encouraged to apply if their offence is considered non-violent, they are not serving a conditional sentence, or have committed an offence for personal gain. The Region of Waterloo Drug Treatment Court will not consider individuals who have committed a violent offence including domestic violence, trafficking for commercial gain, impaired driving or to anyone committing a crime while serving a conditional sentence. Crown Screening will be based on the following: Client Application Application Questionnaire Prosecution Brief Criminal History Input from relevant professionals in the Criminal Justice System

13 What to Expect A drug court participant undergoes an intensive regimen of substance abuse treatment, case management, drug testing, and supervision while reporting to regularly scheduled status hearings before a judge with specialized expertise in the drug court model. Drug courts also provide a wide array of ancillary services such as mental health treatment, trauma and family therapy, job skills training and many other life-skill enhancements services.

14 Paperwork See Handouts DTC Participant Handbook DTC Application Form Application for Judicial Interim Release Order Consent for Release of Personal Health Information and Criminal Justice Information Crown Questionnaire Adult Program Waiver Drug Treatment Court Participating Information Sheet Application for Graduation

15 Once In Drug Treatment Court The participant enters a guilty plea to their outstanding charges. Upon graduation the participant will be sentenced to the charges pleaded to at the onset. If a participant is terminated or withdraws from the program they will be sentenced by a Provincial Court Judge as soon as possible. Undergo mandatory drug screens Attend a minimum of three community meetings per week Attend court weekly. This is mandatory. Failure to attend or comply with the rules and regulations will result in sanctions or expulsions being imposed by the court

16 The Region of Waterloo Drug Treatment Court Team The Presiding Judge A Federal Crown Attorney A Provincial Crown Attorney Duty Counsel Community Health Nurse Community Clinic Doctor Bail Supervision Workers Justice Initiatives Workers Canadian Mental Health Association WWD Coordinators Waterloo Region Police Service Special Constables Community Volunteers

17 A Day in the life Prior to Open Court, the DTC Team meets in a case conference style to review all participants progress for the week. Problem solving is provided from a team approach. Strategies are discussed to support each individual for the upcoming week. Drug Testing Results are reviewed also. Rewards and/or Sanctions are also discussed. The Court is opened and the volunteers provide snacks and drinks for the participants. Court becomes In Session and each participant has their turn before the judge with the support of their individual Support Coordinator/Worker. A small or large reward is provided along with great applause! When necessary a sanction is issued. Once all matters have been heard the participants have the opportunity to socialize and encourage one another.

18 REWARDS!!! Small Rewards (received for fully participating and having one-two set backs through the week) Individuals can pick from a box including: Candy Journals and Pens Hygiene Products Scarves, Hats, Gloves Large Rewards (received for fully participating and being 100% Clean) Individuals can pick from a selection of Gift Cards such as: McDonalds Tim Horton s Subway

19 Progressing through the Program Possible Sanctions Include: Hours of Service at the Local Soup Kitchen Hours of Service at the Local Community Garden A written essay or project Temporary Jail Time Other out of the box ideas as presented by the DTC Team

20 The Community Garden is a Favourite!

21

22 Supports Monday-Friday In addition to attending 3 support groups/meetings per week, urinalysis testing twice per week and meeting weekly with their assigned Support Worker, individuals are encouraged to participate in DTC Activities such as: The Art Group Hiking Trips Museum Tours Trips to the Theater Special Occasion Activities

23 Treatment Facilities All Participants are required to complete the ADAT Tool. Withdrawal Management Residential Treatment Centers Out Patient/Aftercare Groups Addictions Counselling

24 Graduation from Drug Treatment Court In order to graduate, participants must: Maintain a consecutive period of abstinence from all substances, including non-prescription drugs and alcohol in the community for a minimum of 90 days. Have stable housing Engage in activities that are productive or suitable for their specific circumstance in the community Deal appropriately with stressors Be engaged in pro-social behavior and disengaged from prior criminal associates and habits

25 The Alumni As a way to support each other many of the past participants engage in a monthly Alumni group. The lengthy commitment to the DTC and the intimate nature of the program creates a family like environment for those who participate!

26 The Bottom Line. THE OVERALL IMPACT: According to over a decade of research, drug courts significantly improve substance abuse treatment outcomes, substantially reduce crime, and produce greater cost benefits than any other Justice Strategy. In the past 4 Years The Waterloo Regional Drug Treatment Court have had 15 Successful Graduates

27

28 Waterloo DTC in the NEWS! Radically different court strives to treat the addiction behind the crime Poster boy for drug court graduates with high praise Tijana Martin/Record Staff Alan Morrissey, who graduated from the Waterloo Region drug treatment court, poses with Judge Colin Westman in the courthouse on Wednesday. Morrissey was addicted to crack cocaine and other drugs for decades, but he has been clean for over a year now.

29 Testimonial On March 5th, 2014, The Region of Waterloo Drug Treatment Court held yet another graduation for one of its participant members. Here's what he had to say about his experience with the program. "I think if anybody had the opportunity to do this they should take it. It's life changing". What did you find that helps during the process? "For me, I didn t know any resources that were out there and what to do. I went to rehab before on my own and got myself in and when I came out I found myself back in the same spot I was when I left. So I mean with Drug Treatment Court, the resources are endless. It s right there for the taking and all you have to do is want it. Drug Treatment Court is a huge thing, a blessing in disguise really and I think that anybody that is actually serious about it should take it". You were saying about the people in your life and how that makes a difference. Was that really helpful? "Huge. Positive people and good positive influences is what helps. It s hard because you have to cut out all the bad people that you think are your friends and that was hard for me to wrap my head around. You use with these people on a daily basis and I thought they were my friends and ultimately they re not you know? That was hard but in the end the people that really matter were there at the end of the day". And having everybody at Drug Treatment Court here, it s like a huge support system for you. "It s a family! You grow to care, legitimately care and have feelings and emotions for everybody here". And you know that you can always come back and visit right? "Absolutely! I ve already talked to Rob about some stuff for the future- brainstorming idea s and that so I m stoked. It s my turn to give back and I m excited about it.

30 Online Resources Human Services Justice Coordinating Committee: Region of Waterloo Drug Treatment Court: Forms Under the Mental Health Act: Schizophrenia Society of Ontario-Justice and Mental Health: Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington Dufferin (CMHAWWD): and wwd.cmha.ca Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): Schizophrenia Society of Ontario (SSO): Connex Ontario:

31 THANK YOU s: