Treatment Courts

CONTACT US

For general questions please contact the Clackamas County Treatment Court Office at 503-655-8495.

CLACKAMAS COUNTY INTEGRATED TREATMENT COURT PROGRAMS

Clackamas County Treatment Courts are an alternative to normal case processing, which address the recurring cycle of addiction and court involvement.  The programs are a unique collaboration of the Court and our local county and private partners.  Each court program serves a specific set of case types and population of participants.  Each program provides intensive supervision, support and treatment for individuals who are involved in the criminal justice system and are ready to make a major life change.  Entry into a Treatment Court requires application and is voluntary.  All of the Clackamas County Programs follow National Association of Drug Court Professional recommended guidelines in their basic structure.  We hope you find the following information useful.  If you have further questions, please contact any of the persons listed below.

Adult Drug Court

This court is a felony case model with incentives and sanctions, intensive monitoring, individualized treatment and recovery supporting treatment plans.  The program is structured to not only help participants get clean, but to change their lives.  The adult court specifically chooses participants with significant addiction and criminal histories; it is not a diversion program.  The average person completes the program in 17 months.  Recidivism of new charges in this program is about 38%.  Nationally "normal case processed" probationers who complete outpatient treatment recidivate at a rate of about 70%.

Judge Kathie Steele administers the Adult Drug Court program.

Any questions regarding the program can be addressed to Anna Barram Treatment Court Coordinator, 503-655-8495
Email:  E-Mail Treatment Court Coordinator

Driving Under Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) Treatment Court

Clackamas County DUII Treatment Court structure was based on the Ten Guiding Principles of DWI Courts.  This program is designed for DUII offenders with three or more misdemeanor DUII's or a DUII that resulted in a high Breathalyzer reading or Blood Alcohol Test.  This program is intensive in its treatment, structure and accountability.  The program utilizes the twelve step approach with additional sanctions and incentives to help participants take accountability and grow in their recovery process.

Judge Ron Thom administers the DUII Treatment Court program.

If you are interested in participating in the DUII Court please read the manual attached below.  For further questions please contact Anna Barram at 503-655-8495 
Email:  E-Mail DUII Treatment Court  

Please click on the link to view: DUII Court Handbook.pdf

Clackamas County Overland Park Community Court

The Clackamas County Community Court works with Clackamas law enforcement and Clackamas social services to help neighborhoods fight crime.  Based on the premise that all crimes must be prosecuted in order to deter criminals, the Court provides an efficient means of assuring accountability regardless of the seriousness of the offense.  Then, having demanded that all offenders be held accountable, the Community Court requires that the individual offender's "accountability" include a contribution to the betterment of the neighborhood, usually through community service performed in the neighborhood.  To address social issues that might increase the potential for reoffense, the Court insists on immediate interaction between the offender and social services to address underlying problems such as a lack of job skills, education deficiencies, or mental health concerns.  Neighborhood leaders, businesses, service organizations and churches all have made contributions to these efforts.  The only real solution to crime is a community solution:  it includes a firm response to all crimes, early intervention with offenders, and creating or rebuilding connections between the offender and the community after the case is closed.

Judge Douglas Van Dyk administers this program.

Any questions can be addressed to Bill Stewart, Deputy District Attorney at 503-722-2786
Email:  E-Mail Deputy District Attorney

Domestic Violence Deferred Sentencing Program

The Domestic Violence Deferred Sentencing Program (DVDSP) is available to defendants charged with misdemeanors involving domestic violence, such as assault or harassment.  Defendants may have their case dismissed by completing classes aimed at teaching abuse prevention and conflict resolution techniques.  The defendant is required to appear in court regularly to ensure compliance with the program.

Judge Katherine Weber administers the DVDSP program.

Please refer any questions to her Judicial Assistant, Kim Tegman at 503-655-8233.

Family Dependency Drug Court

The Family Court serves parents age 18 and older, identified as having issues with alcohol and other drugs, where the Department of Human Services case plan is not termination of parental rights.  Each person's case is assessed by the program team and individualized treatment plans are developed to help the parent achieve the skills and recovery needed to reunify the family.  This court uses a creative system of incentives, sanctions and supports to motivate participant change as dependency cases are non-criminal.

Judge Douglas Van Dyk administers the Family Drug Court.

Any questions regarding the program can be addressed to the Treatment Court Office at 503-650-3035.

Juvenile Drug Court

The court serves youth age 13-18 that have both criminal charges and a history of alcohol and other drug use.  The program is currently funded through interagency collaboration.  Family participation is required through family therapy, groups and other activities.  The Court focuses not only on the youth's progress, but that all family members are doing their part.

Judge Deanne Darling administers the Juvenile Drug Court.

Any questions can be addressed to the Juvenile Department at 503-655-8342.

Mental Health Court

The program began in November of 2003.  As part of the Clackamas County Integrated Treatment Courts, the program endeavors to work closely with the other programs to ensure appropriate response to co-occurring disorder defendants.  The population is generally individuals with non-violent misdemeanors with a significant Mental Health Diagnosis.  The Clackamas County Mental Health Court was the first such court in Oregon.

Judge Kathie Steele administers the Mental Health Court.

Any questions regarding the program can be addressed to Barb Weist, 503-655-8558.

LINKS

More information on treatment courts across the nation can be found through these links:

National Association of Drug Court Professional (Federal)

National Drug Court Institute (Federal)

Bureau of Justice Assistance (Federal)

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Federal)

TEN KEY COMPONENTS OF DRUG COURTS

For further information on the components and evaluation measures, please see the National Association of Drug Court Professionals website.

1. Drug courts integrate alcohol and other drug treatment services with justice system case processing.
2. Using a non-adversarial approach, prosecution and defense counsel promote public safety while protecting participants' due process rights.
3. Eligible participants are identified early and promptly placed in the drug court program.
4. Drug courts provide access to a continuum of alcohol, drug, and other related treatment and rehabilitation services.
5. Abstinence is monitored by frequent alcohol and other drug testing.
6. A coordinated strategy governs drug court responses to participants' compliance.
7. Monitoring and evaluation measure the achievement of program goals and gauge effectiveness.
8. Ongoing judicial interaction with each drug court participant is essential.
9. Continuing interdisciplinary education promotes effective drug court planning, implementation, and operations.
10. Forging partnerships among drug courts, public agencies, and community-based organizations generates local support and enhances drug court program effectiveness.