Note: please note that this page should (a) link back to the issue overview on this topic, (b) be focused either the local, state, national, or global level, and (c) be neutrally presented, based on facts, and include footnotes for each of the items.  See the Research Guide and Information Sources to assist you. 

• Link here to the overview page:  Drug Courts 

Scope of the Problem  factual statements on the extent of the problem in the past, current, or future

• More than 2.3 million adults are incarcerated in the U.S., representing 1 out of every 100 adult Americans. Prisoners are disproportionately people from racial and ethnic minorities. One out of every 15 African American men and 1 out of every 36 Hispanic men are currently incarcerated in the USA. Drug and alcohol abuse has driven much of the explosion in the inmate population. Approximately 80% of inmates have a serious history of substance abuse and one-half are clinically addicted to drugs or alcohol. Most of these individuals do not pose a serious threat to public safety. More than three-quarters of state inmates were incarcerated for a nonviolent offense and most of them have no history of a violence offense anywhere on their records. (NADCP)

• Upon release from prison, between 60% and 80% of people with drug use disorders (abuse or addiction) commit a new crime (typically a drug-related crime), and 85% to 95% relapse quickly to drug abuse or addiction. More than half will be returned to prison in a now familiar revolving door pattern, and in some states, such as California, more than 75% will be returned to prison. These disappointing figures have done little to curb prison spending.

• National expenditures on corrections well exceed $60 billion annually. On average, states spend $65,000 per bed, per year to build new prisons and $23,876 per bed, per year to operate them. Every year in the U.S., there are approximately 1.2 million prison-bound, drug-abusing offenders who pose little threat to public safety (NADCP)

   

Past Policy  key legislation and milestones including significant policy and funding shifts, major studies, etc.

• The historic 1994 Biden Crime Bill authorized $1 billion for the Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program, administered by the DOJ Office of Justice Programs. The intent of the Biden Crime Bill and the Democratic White House at the time was to expand Drug Court funding to $200 million annually by the year 2000. Unfortunately, since 1995 the appropriation has, in fact, averaged only $40 million. The Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program continues to be significantly under-funded and is currently appropriated at only $15.2 million. NADCP

• Despite these serious funding challenges, Drug Courts now exist in every U.S. state and territory. Today, there are 2,147 adult, juvenile, family, reentry and veteran Drug Courts in operation.18 Yet, as impressive as this may be, over one half of U.S. counties do not have a Drug Court and those that do serve only a fraction of the eligible offenders. In total, Drug Courts serve only about 5% of the adult offender population estimated to be in need of Drug Court services. NADCP

   

Current Policy  summary of current policies in the form of legislation, programs, and funding

Key Organizations/Individuals   contacts for public and private organizations and key individuals

• Government

• Drug Court Clearinghouse and Technical Assistance Project

  Operated by the American University for the U.S. Office of Justice Programs, the project

  maintains information on drug courts throughout the United States and publishes

  quarterly assessments of activities in the field. A source for the latest statistics,

  evaluations, and insight into issues and practices shaping this work.

  (202) 885-2875

  http://www.american.edu/academic.depts/spa/justice/dcclear.htm

  Drug Strategies

  This research institute publishes Keeping Score, an annual review of federal drug control

  spending that identifies promising prevention, treatment, and law enforcement programs.

  It has also produced in-depth profiles of drug abuse in several cities and states and is

  preparing a guide to help citizens profile their own state or locality.

  (202) 289-9070

  http://www.drugstrategies.org

  National Association of Drug Court Professionals

  The association seeks to expand the use of drug courts as a way to reduce substance

  abuse and crime. It advocates for increased funding for drug courts; collects and

  disseminates information; and provides intensive, on-site technical assistance through its

  Mentor Court Network.

  (703) 706-0576

  http://www.nadcp.org

  The National Drug Court Institute

  The institute seeks to advance and ensure the survival of drug courts. It provides training

  for practitioners, supports and disseminates research on drug courts through its

  Evaluation Resource Center, and publishes the semi-annual National Drug Court

  Institute Review.

  (703) 706-0576

  http://www.drugcourt.org/ndci.htm

  State Justice Institute

  This nonprofit organization awards grants and provides educational materials and

  technical assistance to improve the quality of justice in state courts; coordinate state and

  federal courts; and foster innovative, efficient solutions to problems all courts face.

  Addressing the needs of substance abusers in court is a current area of interest.

  (703) 684-6100

  http://www.statejustice.org

  U.S. Department of Justice Drug Courts Program Office

  The office administers grants to jurisdictions to develop or enhance drug courts and

  supports these efforts through training and technical assistance. In partnership with the

  National Institute of Justice, the office is currently comparing several drug court

  programs to identify the most effective elements and designs.

  (202) 616-5001

  http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/dcpo 
• Non-Profit - Service Providing
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• Non-Profit - Advocacy/Membership/Network
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• Foundation
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• Other
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Bibliography   web sites, reports, articles, and other reference material