Drug Court & Family Treatment Court

Therapeutic courts are programs that offer a rehabilitative and treatment-centered approach to individuals charged with a crime who also suffer from a substance use disorder. The Drug Court team consists of a partnership between treatment providers, the prosecutor, defense counsel, probation, and judges.

There are two therapeutic court programs in Island County: Adult Drug Court and Family Treatment Court. In drug courts, participants have been charged with a criminal offense (most commonly property and drug possession crimes) and have been clinically diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD). The prosecutor's office reviews incoming cases for a causal connection between the defendant's substance abuse and the current charges, and screens out those who have a history of violent offenses. Participants commit to the Drug Court Program, and if they successfully graduate, the drug court case charges are dismissed with prejudice, leaving them without a conviction on the drug court matters. The program takes between 18 months and three years to complete, and involves regular drug testing, SUD treatment and mental health counseling, community service, and involvement in recovery groups.

In Family Treatment Court, participants are the subject of a dependency action (their parental rights are in jeopardy) and have been clinically diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Family Treatment Court offers SUD treatment, as well as access to education and therapy to address parental deficiencies. If a participant successfully completes the program and graduates from FTC, the dependency action is dismissed and the parent regains custody of their child(ren).

Eligibility for Drug Court Program

  • Must be diagnosed as having a substance use disorder (SUD).
  • Alleged criminal offense occurred after July 1, 1998.
  • Eligible for Chemical Dependency Disposition alternative and/or other funding to cover the costs of treatment.

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