The following are what defines Drug Courts.

  1. Drug courts integrate alcohol and other drug treatment services with justice system case processing.
  2. Drug courts use a non-adversarial approach, promote public safety while protecting participants’ due process rights.
  3. Drug courts identify eligible participants early and promptly place them in the drug court program.
  4. Drug courts provide access to a continuum of alcohol, drug, and other related treatment and rehabilitation services.
  5. Drug courts monitor abstinence by frequent alcohol and other drug testing.
  6. Drug Courts use a coordinated strategy to govern responses to participants’ compliance.
  7. Drug Courts use ongoing judicial intervention with each drug court participant as an essential component of the program.
  8. Drug Courts utilize monitoring and evaluation to measure the achievement of program goals and gauge effectiveness.
  9. Drug courts employ continuing interdisciplinary education to promote effective drug court planning, implementation, and operations.
  10. Drug courts forge partnerships among the court, public agencies, and community-based organizations to generate local support and enhance drug court effectiveness.