Local Drug Treatment Court debuts

While still technically court, the approach is geared toward rehabilitation rather than punitive action. Participants are still held accountable for their crimes, but they are also given tools to help them move forward with their lives in a more positive direction.

The program relies on extensive oversight to keep them on the right path by providing a support system and achievable, incremental goals to help them achieve sobriety and become contributing members of society.

There is a marked difference between the austerity of Courtroom One and the supportive, engaging environment of the treatment court, held in a smaller setting in the courthouse. Instead of procedure and formality, the dialogue leans toward conversational and the atmosphere is one of encouragement.

Enrollees are asked to engage with the judge and other court officers during the court session. The dialogue extends from basic “How are you doing” questions, to deeper discussions about the importance of keeping busy and focusing on self-improvement. On Monday, Livengood asked why, beyond the paycheck, maintaining employment is important, and discussed the participant’s thoughtful response — a marked difference from the authoritative tone that prevails in the main courtroom.

The drug court is open to individuals charged, but not yet convicted of, a crime, with significant exclusions. Those with a history of violent behavior, who used or possessed a weapon in the commission of a crime, or those facing some sexual crimes, are not eligible. There is a review process for those who are denied to be reconsidered, although entry to the program is not guaranteed, according to the policy manual handed out to individuals upon acceptance.

The applicant works with a Drug Treatment Court Coordinator to complete an assessment before their name is brought to the team meeting. If accepted, the individual is assigned to a probation officer and the program begins.The Treatment Court is segmented into six phases, each with specific expectations and goals that are outlined in the handbook. The program should take about two years to complete, and depending on circumstances, will be followed by a period of probation.

Each phase has its own set of reporting and drug testing requirements, beginning with three probation contacts and two random drug tests per week, curfew requirements, and directives to report to all required hearings.However, there are other, more nuanced aspects to the program, including daily journal writing, curfews, and encouragement to change the people, places, and things in their lives that are stumbling blocks to personal growth.

Livengood puts great stock in the importance of journaling, and the panel reads the entries to gain insight into how the enrollees are feeling.

“It does a lot of good on a day-to-day basis just getting your thoughts on paper,” Livengood said Monday. “You’re not journaling to write a novel. Self-reflection — that’s what it’s for.”

Community service is also a component in early phases, before it is replaced or lessened by employment requirements. Those struggling to hold a job could be required to perform more community service, according to the policy manual.

“This provides you with an opportunity to give back to the community and find a positive activity to help others,” the manual states. Participants are expected to be honest, with sanctions levied on those who miss required appearances or fail required tests, while rewards for achieving goals provide positive feedback and encouragement for those celebrating successes.Phase I begins upon enrollment, and will last a minimum of 60 days.

Housing issues are identified, community service outlined, and a curfew from 9 p.m.-6 a.m. is instituted. During this time, participants will be expected to maintain 14 consecutive days of sobriety before moving to the next phase. Phase II lasts 90 days, and a minimum of 60 consecutive days of sobriety are required before moving to phase III. Participants must maintain housing, and the curfew is extended until 10 p.m. Ninety consecutive days of sobriety are expected in the third phase. Enrollees are to begin actively searching for employment, create a relapse prevention plan, obtain a sponsor, and establish pro-social activities, among other requirements.

By phases IV and V, probation contacts have dropped from three per week to one. The language used to outline these phases refers mainly to maintaining progress. Curfews are extended to 11 p.m. The 90-day minimum durations carry an expectation of 90 days of sobriety for each phase. Phase VI is a 6-month minimum with sobriety an expectation for the duration. There is no longer a curfew. Incarcerated individuals are eligible for the drug treatment court, and will receive extensive oversight while transitioning from incarceration back into society.

At the unveiling of the program, Public Defender Karen Hendershot explained that, “The vast majority of the cases, regardless of the charge, have some drug influence.

“In addressing the dependency issues, “The goal here is to get people out of that cycle once and for all” Hendershot said.

While technically public, the drug treatment court relies on open dialogue between participants and the court. In deference to that, attendees are asked to sign confidentiality agreements.

Because the goal is to create an environment where the individuals can be honest with their struggles and accomplishments, the threat of publication of their personal stories could be a detriment to that open dialogue, therefore participants will not be identified or quoted.