Transcript The Drug Treatment Court Funding Program

Drug Treatment Court Funding Program
CCJA Conference
Halifax, Nova Scotia
October 30, 2009
DTC FP - What was intended... 2005 - 2009
Program Objectives
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Promote and strengthen the use of alternatives to incarceration for the drug addicted
offender
Build knowledge and awareness about Drug Treatment Courts (DTCs) in the
Canadian context
Collect information and data on the effectiveness of Canadian DTC pilot sites
Policy Objectives
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Prosecution of federal drug offences
Policy function that facilitates*:
• under National-Anti Drug Strategy - Treatment Action Plan, innovative
approaches to drug treatment services; and
• national policy development, data collection and information sharing across
jurisdictions that will contribute to criminal law policy objectives in Canada
* through the use of the federal spending power
DTC FP - What we learned...Summative Evaluation '09
Majority of DTC Participants
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30 - 40 year old white male with some high school (grade 10/11)
Homeless; Unemployed; Mental health concerns
Serious drug addiction to crack cocaine, heroin or crystal methamphetamine
Typical crimes: possession with intent; property crimes; and theft
Pro social / Cost effective Outcomes
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Challenges with limited availability of consistent and complete outcome data and
cost information:
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Challenges in determining global DTC costs
"If it doesn't exist in the data world, it doesn't exist"
DTC FP - What we learned...Summative Evaluation '09
Graduation rates ranged from 6% to 36%
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Compared to 17% completion rate on standard outpatient drug treatment
programs
Influenced by safe housing, self motivation, and various demographics
Program Effectiveness
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Short duration (3 years of operations) deems results inconclusive,
However, Winnipeg DTC Outcome Evaluation confirmed*:
• of 21 graduates, only 2 have reoffended (9% recidivism rate); and
• of 37 discharged, only 10 have reoffended (27% recidivism rate)
* as of December 2008
DTC FP - Summative Evaluation '09
Summary
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Model appropriately tested in Canada;
While inconclusive, shows potential
Recommendations
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Continue to study the effectiveness of DTCs in Canada
Work more closely with provincial and territorial governments
Facilitate effective communication among key stakeholders
DTC Information System needs to collect consistent information
Single evaluation framework
Continue to include housing as an integral component of the Program
Thank you
Questions?