What Is the Drug Court Treatment Program for Illinois Juvenile Offenders?

 Posted on August 09, 2019 in Drug Crimes

Drug use among teenagers has been declining for some time now, although it still remains a problem, especially among teens who are involved in the juvenile justice system. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) reported that an estimated 1.3 million teenagers aged 12-17 had a substance abuse disorder in 2014. According to multiple studies, around half of the youths within the juvenile court system have problems related to alcohol or drugs. Rather than leave these disorders untreated, teens who come into contact with the juvenile justice system and have an apparent drug or alcohol problem can be referred to the juvenile drug court treatment program.

Determining Eligibility

In order to be admitted to the drug court treatment program in Illinois, a juvenile offender must be referred and must meet all eligibility requirements. For a juvenile to be eligible for the drug court treatment program, he or she must:

• Not have committed a violent crime or crime involving violence

• Not deny the drug use or drug addiction

• Demonstrate a willingness to participate in the program

• Not have been adjudicated delinquent for a violent crime in the past 10 years

Program Requirements and Procedures

If a juvenile is admitted into the program, he or she will then be subject to a thorough assessment. This evaluation will help program officials determine the specific needs of the teen and develop a treatment plan based on those needs. This plan will be in effect for a period of time, typically 12-18 months. During that time, the juvenile must appear in court on a monthly basis and must also attend high school or complete a GED.

In addition to drug and/or alcohol treatment, the program also provides juveniles with resources on treating the psychological or social issues from which substance abuse disorders often arise. Each month, the juvenile must attend a group meeting to discuss these issues and how he or she can avoid situations that may cause trouble in the future.

Graduating From the Program

Once the minor has been in the program for at least 12 months and has been drug and/or alcohol-free for at least six months, he or she can graduate. Successful completion of the juvenile drug court treatment program will result in the youth’s original criminal charges being dropped.

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL Juvenile Defense Lawyer 

Drug court treatment programs are an option for both minor and adult offenders, though juvenile offenders typically have a better chance of reforming their lives and successfully avoiding recidivism. If your child is facing drug charges of any kind, it is important to contact a Rolling Meadows, IL drug crime defense attorney as soon as possible. Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law understands how serious penalties for drug crimes can be, and he will fight for your child’s right to rehabilitation. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 847-253-3400.

Sources:

http://www.ncjfcj.org/sites/default/files/Juvenile_drug_treatment_court_GUIDELINES%20%20508C.pdf

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1864&ChapterID=50

http://www.cookcountycourt.org/ABOUTTHECOURT/CountyDepartment/CriminalDivision/SpecialtyTreatmentCourts/DrugCourtTreatmentProgram.aspx