Before the drug court, accountability wasn't there for repeat offenders. Courts were starting to see the same people over and over in the system. Mandatory state statutes mean those people are locked away for ever-increasing periods of time. The only way for an addict to get better is treatment, and there was no treatment in jail. |
Participants can only have approved visits during their first two phases of the program. This is probably the most difficult part of the program, because they have to write down in advance every activity that involves leaving their residence and only family members and significant others can visit. |
We have tried to focus on offenders right after they enter the detention center. When people have a long sentence hanging over their head, it is the best carrot to entice them to sign up for the program. |