Mendocino County Juvenile Drug Court

State of California, County of Mendocino

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Introduction

Juvenile Drug Court is a Court-supervised, comprehensive drug-alcohol treatment program for wards of the court and their parents or guardians.

The goal of the program is to help the offender achieve total abstinence from drugs and alcohol, with the final responsibility of program completion being with the offender.

The focus of the Drug Court is on replacing addictive behaviors with a clean and sober lifestyle.

Drug Court Program Office
Mendocino County Superior Court
100 North State Street, Room 411
Ukiah, CA 95482-4416
(707) 463-4793, 463-4178
(707) 463-4424 (fax)

Voluntary Program

The Juvenile Drug Court is a voluntary, 4-phase program.

The program is provided in partnership with the Mendocino County Youth Project, the Clean and Sober Classroom, the PACE (Probation Alternative in a Community Environment) Classroom, Consolidated Tribal Health Project, private treatment providers and local schools.

The Probation Department will determine eligibility to participate in Juvenile Drug Court.

An individual treatment plan will be developed to act as a guide through the treatment program. Fulfillment of this plan is required to successfully complete Drug Court.

A new "Task List" received at every status hearing will outline what is needed to meet the expectations of the treatment plan.

The Program Consists of:

Individual Treatment Plan

Education Groups

Family Counseling

Regular Court Appearances

Weekly and Random Chemical and Alcohol Testing

Regular Attendance at 12-Step or other meetings

Free time activities geared for enjoying a drug-free life

Treatment Phases

Phase 1: Explore one's relationship to mind-altering substances (including cultural and family influences), its influence on self and others, identify triggers.

Phase 2: Identify and develop resources to standup to substance abuse. Increase self-awareness. Develop relapse prevention plan.

Phase 3: Develop confidence and pride in standing up to use of alcohol and illegal drugs. Make amends and pay restitution (where required).

Phase 4: Appear regularly in Court. Submit relapse prevention plan. Be active with alumni group.

Incentives and Sanctions

Incentives and sanctions are directly linked to the willingness of the individual to participate in their treatment program. Efforts to be in compliance with the expectations of the Drug Court are recognized. Certificates are awarded for phase completion and for other accomplishments. Tickets for movies, athletic events and food may also be awarded.

Sanctions are used by the judge to keep participants on track. These may be anything from writing essays to increased program requirements to detention in Juvenile Hall. The Court will not detain a participant in the Juvenile Hall unless other, lesser sanctions have been tried first.

Confidentiality

State licensing requires that participant's identity and privacy be protected. In response to these regulations, policies and procedures are in place to guard the right to privacy while in Drug Court.

A statement will be signed releasing information to the Drug Court professionals involved in an individual treatment plan. This waiver is limited to designated individuals and organizations.

Graduation will occur upon the successful completion of the Individual Treatment Plan and other court requirements.

The graduation date is determined by the Drug Court judge after consideration of input from the Drug Court Treatment Team.

Dismissal of charges will be granted upon successful completion of all treatment phase requirements, a meeting with the judge to review all suspended cases, fees and fines, and notification from the Probation Department of no other offenses.

Drug Court exists because of local support. You can help by:

Donating in-kind contributions, services, and opportunities that may be used as incentives for Drug Court participants, such as dental, grooming, and money management opportunities or items such as used professional attire, movie theater tickets, and bus passes.

Supporting Drug Court with elected officials.

Making financial contributions to the:
Friends of Drug Court
c/o Community Foundation of Mendocino County
135 West Gobbi Street, Suite 204
Ukiah, CA 95482
Telephone: (707) 468-9882
Website: http://www.communityfound.org/

Related Links

California Drug Court Project Online Information

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Copyright © 2005 Superior Court of Mendocino County All rights reserved Last Updated: April 17, 2009