Report: Drug Courts Reduce Costs, Recidivism

Report: Drug Courts Reduce Costs, Recidivism
August 11, 2004

Research Summary

The first-ever report card on the effectiveness of drug courts finds that the courts increase access to drug treatment, reduce criminal recidivism, and save states and local municipalities money, Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly reported July 19.

"Painting the Current Picture: A National Report Card on Drug Courts and Other Problem Solving Court Programs in the United States" was released by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP).

The report card estimated that $1.74 in benefits is realized for every dollar spent on drug courts. Much of the savings is in lower prison costs resulting from a reduced recidivism rate.

Drug courts, which divert non-violent drug offenders to treatment rather than prison, offer long-term addiction and mental-health treatment, comprehensive case management, and drug testing and probation supervision.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Study: Drug Courts Helps Addicted Individuals

Studies Say California Drug Courts Save Money

Success for Georgia's Drug Courts, Officials Say

Study: St. Louis Drug Court Worth Cost

Juvenile Drug Courts and Teen Substance Abuse

Bridging the Gap: A Guide to Drug Treatment in the Juvenile Justice System