There are 252 people currently enrolled in the Drug Court, Mental Health Court and Veterans Court alternative-to-prosecution programs in Duval, Clay and Nassau counties.
If the trend over the past two years is sustained, slightly more than half will complete the programs.
People who are arrested for nonviolent drug-related crimes who may be addicted to drugs or alcohol, or have a co-occurring mental health issue, or who are active duty military or have an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge, may qualify for one of the programs.
Each lasts a minimum of 12 months and includes frequent court appearances, random drug and alcohol testing, weekly counseling, clinical care, education or vocational training and job placement.
“What we try to do is break the cycle of addiction,” said Teri Hamlyn, director of the Problem-Solving Court Office. “When you come out of it, there’s no reason to go back to a bad lifestyle.”
Candidates for the drug courts aren’t necessarily charged with crimes such as possession or sale of drugs. Through case evaluation and interviews, people charged with other offenses — dealing in stolen property, burglary or writing fraudulent checks – might be considered for the program if their offense is related to using drugs.
“We look at the defendant’s whole picture,” Hamlyn said
Participation in the programs is voluntary, but failure to comply with any requirement during the course of treatment can result in involuntary expulsion. That can mean a return to court for trial and possible sentencing and incarceration.
“Don’t use, follow the rules and be honest. If you can do that, we can help you,” Hamlyn said.
The most challenged participants are those in Mental Health Court, with only about 24 percent of those enrolled completing the program.
Drug courts for adults and juveniles show nearly equal graduation rates at 49 percent and 50 percent, respectively. That’s about the national average for similar programs, Hamlyn said.
She also said that many participants in the drug treatment programs can’t finish the program in 12 months because they are addicted to opioids, which often requires a longer course of therapy.
It’s the Veterans Court program that’s getting the best results.
Over the past two years, 85 of the 89 people who were admitted to the program for active duty and former military personnel — 96 percent — met the requirements and graduated.
Hamlyn said the high success rate is based on veterans, through their military training, being more accustomed to having to be accountable, understanding structured programs and being used to taking commands and following orders.
Also, she said, many of the veterans who have gone through the program didn’t suffer from substance abuse issues, but may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or medical issues, such as traumatic head injury.
The problem-solving courts are part of the circuit’s “smart justice” initiative. The programs work because they don’t just treat addiction, they show the participant how to change their life, restore their family and become a contributing member of society, Hamlyn said.
But being given a second chance doesn’t guarantee a positive outcome. There are and will be failures – about 45 percent over the past two years.
“The programs work if you work them,” she said.
“If someone ends up in prison, at least we know the community gave them a chance.”
