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In
May 1999 Clark County established the Superior Drug Court to better address
substance involved offenders. Designed as an alternative for non-violent
drug offenders, the Clark County Drug Court combines intense judicial
supervision, comprehensive substance abuse treatment (including detoxification),
random and frequent drug testing, incentives and sanctions, clinical case
management, and ancillary services. Currently serving approximately 120 participants the Clark
County Drug Court’s mission is to bring about a
reduction in: 1) drug use and associated criminal
activity, 2) cost in the criminal justice and treatment systems and 3)
overcrowding in the Clark County jail.
Additionally,
the Clark County Drug Court
program intends to develop a partnership between Superior Court, County Alcohol
and Drug Program and the treatment community in order to promote long-term
recovery and productive lifestyles for felony offenders.
Collaboration between the “Drug Court Team” is a key
component of successful drug court programs. The Clark County Drug Court team consists of Superior (Drug) Court Judge,
district attorney, public defender, probation department, treatment provider,
case management services, County Alcohol and Drug Program and law enforcement.
This collaborative team results in a uniform and consistent focus, with
the common goal of the client’s recovery and successful reintegration into the
community.
Drug courts have proven their effectiveness in controlling
both the drug usage and criminality of drug-using offenders in addition to
saving tax dollars. The Columbia
University's National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) has
concluded a definite study of drug court research, evaluations, and literature,
finding:
1.
Drug courts provide more comprehensive and closer supervision of the
drug-using offender than other forms of community supervision.
2.
Drug use and criminal behavior are substantially reduced while clients
are participating in drug court.
3.
Criminal behavior is lower after program participation, especially for
graduates.
4.
Drug courts generate cost savings, at least in the short term, from
reduced jail/prison use, reduced criminality and lower criminal justice system
costs. $10 savings for every $1 spent on drug court.
5.
Drug courts have been quite successful in bridging the gap between
the court and the treatment/public health systems and spurring greater
cooperation among the various agencies and personnel within the criminal justice
system, as well as between the criminal justice system and the community.
Participant
Eligibility:
Crimes must be for Possession of a Controlled Substance,
Prescription Fraud, or class C property crimes. Some class B property crimes may
be eligible, on a case by case determination. Felony driving offenses are excluded. Violation of trust
cases are excluded.
Post conviction violations may be accepted if noncompliance with
treatment is an allegation or if there is a substance abuse addiction, but not
if violations are exclusively LFO’s.
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The defendant’s standard range should be less than one year.
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The defendant cannot have prior sex or violent crime convictions.
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The defendant cannot have a DUI from the same incident.
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The
defendant cannot have holds from other jurisdictions, either within or
without the
state
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The defendant must be a Clark County, Washington resident.
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The defendant must volunteer for the program.
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The
defendant must have a substance abuse addiction
Ineligible Offenses:
Graduation Requirements:
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Successful completion of all treatment requirements
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Six drug/alcohol free months
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A combination of work and/or school
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Fulfillment of financial obligations
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Approval for graduation by Drug Court Team
CLARK COUNTY
DATA
Participants
Active: 113
(74%)
Terminated:
31
(20%)
Deceased: 2
(1%)
Graduated:
7
(5%)
Total: 153
Upon
termination clients are sentenced on their conviction upon entering Drug Court
(and any further convictions received while participating in the program).
Funding:
Funding for
the Clark County Drug Court comes from a federal Department of Justice Grant,
County Alcohol and Drug Program funds for Treatment and Case Management services
(via DASA) and from Edward J. Byrne Memorial Grant funded through DASA for
outpatient and residential treatment.
Clark
County Drug Court Contact:
Keith
Pereira, Drug Court Coordinator (Superior Court)
(360)
397-2075 ext. 5171
P.O.
Box 5000 Vancouver, WA. 98666-5000
e-mail
keith.pereira@co.clark.wa.us
Cleve
Thompson, Alcohol & Drug Manager
(360)
397-2075 ext. 7823
P.O.
Box 5000 Vancouver, WA. 98666-5000
e-mail cleve.thompson@co.clark.wa.us
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