Kalamazoo County

Treatment Court Programs

Ninth Circuit Court administers two adult felony-level Drug Treatment Courts and a Juvenile Drug Treatment Court. The Women’s Drug Treatment Court began in 1992 and was the first gender specific program in the nation. The Men’s Drug Treatment Court began in 1997. The Juvenile Drug Treatment Court began in 1998 and was the first juvenile program in Michigan. The adult Drug Treatment Courts include post plea participants and felony probation and parole violators. The Juvenile Drug Treatment Court is a post-adjudication program for juvenile offenders placed on court ordered probation.

The Drug Treatment Courts engage non-violent adult and juvenile offenders in substance abuse treatment, 12-Step programs, urinalysis screening, mental health services, intensive court supervision, and a wide range of ancillary services, such as outdoor experiential programs and parent education training. Participants are required to pay court and program fees, complete restitution and community service requirements, meet regularly with the Case Manager, obtain employment and/or attend school, and attend biweekly court sessions with the judge and Drug Treatment Court team. The Drug Treatment Court Programs utilize various rewards and sanctions for encouraging compliance and successful graduation from the program. The incentives include recognition at status review hearings, field trips, certificates, family-based activities and opportunities to pursue educational and recreational interests. Sanctions include short and long term detention or jail, residential placement, written assignments, additional community service hours, electronic monitoring, loss of free time privileges, and increased drug testing. Unsuccessful discharge from the programs may result for continued program noncompliance. Parents of juvenile participants must also comply with any court ordered requirements, such as family counseling, 12-Step programs and parent education training.

The Kalamazoo County Drug Treatment Courts have served as mentor courts throughout the nation for jurisdictions developing similar programs. The Drug Treatment Court Foundation of Kalamazoo County was established to raise program and endowment funds for program and funding sustainability. The Foundation is fully operational with representatives serving on the Board of Directors from the health care community, financial institutions, corporate and business community, government, education, and the legal and faith-based communities. Visitors are welcome to attend Drug Treatment Court sessions and consult with judges and staff at any time. Program materials and annual evaluations are available upon request.