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Accessing Services
Forensic Services
Adult Criminal Drug Court
The Columbia, Suwannee and Hamilton Counties Adult Criminal Drug Court Programs are a partnership between the 3rd Judicial Circuit, Department of Corrections, Office of the State Attorney, office of the Public Defender, local law enforcement agencies and Meridian. It provides intensive services for identified drug related felony offenders who have been abusing substances and have pled "Guilty". The Court takes a lead role in fostering participation in drug treatment. Under the auspices of the Court, the Adult Criminal Drug Court team and the treatment provider plan interventions and sanctions and share information critical to treatment of the offender. Team members are dedicated to providing participants with the opportunity to overcome their substance abuse problem so that they will be able to remain in the community.
Treatment is highly intensive with frequent court appearances and urinalysis designed to reinforce positive efforts in treatment and other aspects of care. There are rewards for treatment progress and negative sanctions for non-compliance. Criminal cases require close controls and joint coordination to maintain the safety of the client and the public. This is accomplished through weekly staffings involving Adult Criminal Drug Court liaison staff from DOC. OSA, OPD, law enforcement, the Court, and Meridian.
The program provides an intensely structured, supportive environment with empathetic and professional counseling and support services focused on helping individuals gain control of their lives through the development of personal accountability and empowerment. Persons served must attend 12 Step meetings in the community and obtain and work with a sponsor, providing verification to the Court. This helps the individual build a positive community support system essential to long term recovery.
During treatment sessions, persons served discuss therapeutic issues and receive substance abuse education which includes interactive discussion and lecture. Persons can share personal issues in group and individual therapy. Peer group interaction is used to therapeutically confront individual issues. Persons develop individual recovery and/or relapse prevention goals.
*Please Note: Services in Alachua County are provided through the County's Court Services Department and include intensive services designed for individuals that have been unable to maintain abstinence in lower level services. Access for these services is through direct referrals from the Alachua County Drug Court staff. Services are provided to these clients through the CARES, STAR, HOPE and Residential Programs.