|
The Mohave County Probation Drug Court program has been in existence since 2007 when it was launched by the Superior Court in our county. In October of 2010, Mohave County Probation took over administration of the Drug Court program. A full time Drug Court Coordinator, Administrative Assistant and Drug Court Probation Officer manage the program in Kingman, Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City under the supervision of Superior Court Judge Rick Williams.
Drug Court is an intervention program aimed at reducing the number of delinquent juveniles between the ages of 14-17 engaging in illegal substance use. Through frequent drug testing for illegal substances and weekly court hearings, accountability and consistency are reinforced through a variety of incentives and consequences. Treatment agencies within the community are utilized as referral sources for counseling services. Professional educational resources are used as additional support for the juveniles and their families through written homework assignments and educational presentations. This collaboration with outside agencies and utilization of current educational materials further reinforces the positive behaviors learned in the court setting.
Cooperation and collaboration with the family is a key component of Drug Court. Family members, guardians and supportive members of the juveniles’ community are encouraged to participate in Drug Court with the juveniles by attending court hearings and educational presentations. During 2010, approximately 1/3 of the juveniles had family or other participants attend Drug Court with them on a regular basis.
The program also focuses on reducing recidivism in the juveniles’ criminal behaviors through lowered referrals. During the 2010 calendar year, only six juveniles received new referrals while in Drug Court (13% new referral rate). As of April 30, 2011 only one new referral has been received for a juvenile currently enrolled in Drug Court.
We invite anyone who wishes to witness our success in action to come visit one of our Drug Court sessions. For more information, please contact, Jillene Gock at 928-753-0741, ext. 4161.
|
