The connection between substance use disorders and crime has been well established. Success in reducing rearrest and failure to appear for court depends on two key factors – identifying and treating drug use and establishing swift and certain consequences for continued drug use. Drug use is often an indicator of a disorganized lifestyle, and disorganization is the most frequently cited reason for failures to appear. Assuring that defendants appear for scheduled court hearings is central to PSA’s mission. Sanction-based treatment is one of the most effective tools for breaking the cycle of substance use disorders and crime.
PSA’s substance use disorder treatment programs and services include the Superior Court Drug Intervention Program, better known as Drug Court, and sanction-based treatment contracting. These sanction-based substance use disorder treatment options include a system of sanctions and incentives designed to motivate compliant behavior and to reduce drug use. Each program features the use of a treatment plan that guides case managers in tailoring and modifying therapeutic interventions for a population involved in the criminal justice system.
PSA has limited beds allocated at the Re-Entry and Sanctions Center (RSC) to serve male defendants who are have substance use disorders and a limited number of spaces are available on the mental health floor for males with co-occurring substance and mental health disorders. A few beds also are available for female defendants.
Prior to placement in any drug treatment program, defendants under pretrial release are assessed for substance use disorder and/or mental health needs, and connected with employment, housing, and/or other social services through PSA’s Social Services and Assessment Center.
