NCJ Number
142007
Journal
State Court Journal Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1993) Pages: 9-13
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The first National Conference on Substance Abuse and the Courts was held in November 1991 in Washington, D.C., to consider how to deal with substance-abusing offenders.
Abstract
Representatives of 36 State court systems were among 332 conference participants. Conference goals were to develop a common understanding among courts and criminal justice, education, health, and social service agencies of the dimensions and effects of substance abuse; to provide information about strategies, programs, and resources that States can use to address the substance abuse problem; and to help States develop action plans that reflect a coordinated approach to substance abuse. Central themes emerged as the conference progressed, although the four most prominent areas for action involved continued building of linkages for cooperative efforts, asserting strong court leadership, providing education and training essential to cooperative action, and sharing information about successful treatment programs for substance-abusing offenders. The conference devised strategies for cooperation and coordination, and established networks, task forces, and statewide bodies to facilitate collaboration. Underlying all team activities at the conference was the recognition that judicial leaders must expand available court responses to substance abuse and that treatment is the key to expanding court responses.