Evaluation of the Jail Chemical Addiction Program

2021

For several decades, drug use has shaped the criminal justice system and drug offenders often move through the criminal justice system in a prescribed pattern: arrest, prosecution, conviction, incarceration, and release. The Dearborn County Court Services in Lawrenceburg, Indiana improves community safety by reducing repetitive criminal behavior and encouraging rehabilitation through evidence-based practices. This mission is achieved through the pre-trial service Dearborn County Jail Chemical Addictions Program (JCAP) and two problem-solving courts: the Accountability, Change, and Community (ACC) Court and the Veterans Treatment (DCV) Court. The goal of the problem-solving courts is to stop the abuse of alcohol and other illicit drugs and break the cycle of criminality. JCAP, in combination with the problem-solving courts, offers a compelling choice for individuals whose crimes stem from drug or alcohol use: participation in treatment. The purpose of the program is to return participants to productive functioning in their family, workplace, and community. In exchange for successful completion of the ACC and/or DCV programs, the courts may dismiss the participants original criminal charge or reduce it to a misdemeanor, when appropriate.

Dearborn, evaluation, jail, chemical addiction

Performing Research or Evaluation

Quality Assurance, Health-Related Activities

Professionals and Para-Professionals

None

Single-County

N/A