Drug Courts and Treatment: Lessons To Be Learned from the "What Works" Literature

Abstract

Drug courts have emerged as a viable public policy option to deal with the onslaught of drug offenders. The model stands in contrast to traditional court models by combining judicial supervision and community-based treatment in an effort to change offender behavior. Drawing from the enormous gains in knowledge regarding the effective treatment of offenders, this article outlines suggestions for focusing attention on the type and quality of treatment services. The principles of effective intervention are outlined and suggestions are made as to how they should be included in the effort to reduce substance abuse and recidivism among drug court participants.