The goal of drug courts is to reduce alcohol and drug- related criminal activity. Drug courts work to accomplish this goal by providing offenders access to comprehensive treatment and ancillary services while under the supervision of the drug court judge.

The 10 Key Components

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 the participant's 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. Ongoing judicial interaction with each drug court participant is essential.
8. Monitoring and evaluation measure the achievement of program goals and gauge effectiveness.
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.