A lot of drug-related offenses are committed by those with serious addictions. These addictions have the potential to inspire criminal offenses for a variety of reasons.
For those suffering from drug addiction, incarceration likely isn’t going to provide them the help they need. That’s why Ohio (like many other states) has drug courts. These courts help those suffering from substance abuse by providing treatment combined with regular testing and supervision as well as incentives to get clean.
Types of Ohio drug courts
The state has several different types of drug courts. They’re each meant to focus their treatment on a specific group of people, while requiring accountability from participants. The goals of criminal or adult drug courts, in addition to providing people with the tools they need to battle their addiction, are to prevent “recidivism” or reoffending, and to keep people out of the prison system.
For example, family drug courts focus on addicted parents who are facing charges involving neglect, abuse or abandonment of their children. In addition to providing treatment, these courts help people work on their parenting skills. The courts seek to minimize the length of time that parents and children have be separated.
Juvenile drug courts are focused on treating addicted juvenile offenders and keeping them out of the Department of Youth Services facilities. The juvenile program works with minors as well as their parents or guardians to improve their school attendance and performance. By getting juvenile addicts the treatment, supervision and guidance they need, juvenile drug courts can help prevent them from going into the adult prison system when they’re older.
The New Leaf Program
Additionally, many cities and counties throughout the state have their own programs. For example, in Geauga County, the New Leaf Program typically lasts from 16 to 24 months. According to its mission statement, it’s involved in “assisting participants in becoming productive members of our community, reducing recidivism, providing treatment instead of incarceration where appropriate, and improving the safety of the public and participants.”
Not everyone can be accepted into one of these programs. Those who are, if they’re willing to put in the work and learn from the professionals whose job it is to help them can create a much better future for themselves and their families than they may have thought was possible. With sound legal guidance, Ohioans can improve their chances of being able to take advantage of the help provided by a drug court, and avoid the traditional consequences of a drug conviction in the process.