To download a pdf file of this document, click here.

11^th JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEST

DIVISION 6

JEFFERSON and LINCOLN COUNTY

JUVENILE DRUG COURT

PARTICIPANT HANDBOOK

March 2009

JUVENILE DRUG COURT TEAM

Juvenile Drug Court Judge Earnest E. Brown, Jr.

Drug Court Coordinator Roderick Shelby, Sr.

Case Managers (JPO) - Monte Whetstone

Juvenile Probation Officers Leanita Hughes

Intake Officer Juawana Jackson

Prosecuting Attorney Mickie Tucker

City Attorney Brandon Robinson

Public Defender Tom Owens

Wilson Bynum

Treatment Representative United Family Services

Elizabeth Franklin

Betty Butler

Arkansas Counseling Associates Rob Gerst

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

Juvenile Drug Court Team……………………………….2

Introduction to Juvenile Drug Court……………………...4

Program Description…………………………………….. 4

Drug Court Program Rules……………………………….5

Family Involvement……………………………………....6

Supervision……………………………………………….7

Treatment…………………………………………………9

Treatment Phases and Advancement Criteria…………….9

Drug Testing and Medication Policy…………………….12

Sanctions…………………………………………………13

Incentives………………………………………………...14

Graduation………………………………………………..14

Confidentiality……………………………………………14

Summary………………………………………………….14

INTRODUCTION TO JUVENILE DRUG COURT

The Juvenile Drug Court program is for those youth who are abusing substances and are involved in the Juvenile Department because they committed a crime. This program is able to provide additional support and accountability to youth and their families.

The mission of the Juvenile Drug Court is to partner with Jefferson County Teens and Families to build drug-free lives focusing on success through intensive therapy, supervision and incentives.

Our goal is to reduce recidivism among at-risk juveniles, thereby reducing drug-related juvenile offenses in the county by determining the participants most-at-risk of failure and what programs will have the strongest impact on the juvenile’s success rate.

The benefits of being involved in the Juvenile Drug Court Program may include:

Dismissal of new charge upon successful completion
Intensive treatment and supervision
Individualized interventions
Family support
Reduced timeline between arrest and intervention
Remain in your home, school and community
Personal involvement in planning treatment
Suspension of Driver’s License waived

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Jefferson and Lincoln County Drug Court Program is a Court-supervised, comprehensive treatment program for youth and their families. The Program includes treatment, which involves drug testing, individual/family/group counseling, regular attendance in support groups and Court appearances before the Juvenile Drug Court Judge. The Juvenile Drug Court Program is a combined effort by the Circuit Court, Prosecuting Attorney, Public Defender, Juvenile Department, United Family Services, and other community-based organizations. The program length is determined by each participant’s progress and placement in treatment, but is designed to last at least eight (8) months.

If the Drug Court Team determines you to be eligible and appropriate you will be offered the choice of Juvenile Drug Court. The Drug Court Coordinator, Case Managers, or Intake Officer will discuss the Juvenile Drug Court with you and a Public Defender, or your private counsel, will advise you of your legal options. While in the program, you will be required to comply with specific terms and conditions. On your initial Court date you will be assigned a Case Manager who will provide supervision, answer questions, and assist you in completing the program. Supervision will include unannounced home visits, school visits, and random drug screens.

As a Juvenile Drug Court participant, you and a parent, guardian, caretaker, or significant adult will be required to appear in Drug Court on a regular basis. At each appearance, the Judge will be given a progress report regarding drug test results, treatment and school attendance, and participation. The Judge will ask questions about your progress and discuss any specific problems you may be experiencing. If you are meeting the goals as set out, you will be allowed to continue with the program. If you commit program violations (for example, positive or missed drug screens, failure to attend or participate properly in individual/group counseling, failure to attend support groups, missing school, failing to report to your Case Manager, etc.) the Judge may impose sanctions (See Sanctions) With repeated violation of program requirements, and /or failure to progress satisfactorily, the Judge may discharge you from the program and your case will be set for disposition or sentencing.

New arrests could result in termination from the program. Other violations which could result in termination or sanctions include: drug use, new law violation, violence or aggressive behavior in treatment, failure to meet treatment goals, behavior that is disruptive in group or threatens the success of other participants, failure to attend treatment groups or court reviews, etc. If you are terminated from the Juvenile Drug Court Program you will be returned to Court for disposition, which could include: Formal probation, residential treatment, commitment to the Juvenile Detention Center or the Division of Youth Services.

DRUG COURT PROGRAM RULES

As a Juvenile Drug Court participant, you will be required to do the following:

Not possess or use any alcohol, inhalants or illegal drugs or possess any drug-related paraphernalia.
Not violate any city, county, state, or federal laws.
Appear in Court on scheduled court dates and times. Failure to appear in Court may result in a warrant for your arrest.
Comply with all the requirements of your treatment plan, including counseling sessions, treatment groups, and other activities. The Drug Court Team must approve all absences.
Notify the Case Manager immediately of any address/telephone number changes.
Contact the Case Manager as scheduled and co-operate with home visits.
Comply with regular and frequent drug testing and the drug-testing contract.
Attend self-help meetings (such as NA/AA) weekly, as set out in your treatment plan and provide written verification.
Satisfactorily progress in school as demonstrated by attending school regularly, maintaining good academic performance, and following all school rules and expectations.
Provide written proof of excused absences if requested.
Not share information that is discussed while in the Juvenile Drug Court Program with others.
Provide a list of prescription medications that you are taking and notify your Case Manager of any changes.
Attend full time work/school, or a combination of both on a daily basis as directed.
Pay all required fees in a timely manner.
You will not travel outside of the four county area (Jefferson, Pulaski, Lincoln and Desha) without first receiving permission from your case manager and/or drug court team.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

Family involvement is critical to effective drug and alcohol treatment and juvenile court interventions. Since substance-abusing adolescents respond best to treatment when their families support their efforts, the family must agree to participate in each child’s treatment. Parental education groups and family therapy will be a part of the adolescent’s treatment program. Supporting a child in drug and alcohol treatment requires considerable effort and diligence in providing supervision, support, and caring.

Parental Responsibility Includes:

Signing waivers for exchange of information between the Drug Court Team members and various agencies.
Active participation in Family Therapy.
Recognizing that substance abuse is a family problem and educate themselves on its impact on their children and family.
Recognizing how it can seriously harm their children if the parent(s) have a substance abuse problem.
Providing appropriate role models that do not approve of drug and alcohol abuse.
Recognizing signs of drug and alcohol use in their children and responding with appropriate sanctions.
Providing a substance free environment that promotes recovery. All alcohol should be out of the home. All medications should be locked up including over the counter medication.
Establishing and enforcing behavioral ground rules.
Participating as an “active” member of the Drug Court team by attending court and communicating with the other members of the team.

SUPERVISION

As a participant of the Drug Court Program, you will have a case manager who will supervise your case and discuss the program’s rules with you. The case manager will oversee, but not limited to, the following terms:

PAGING

The Drug Court team is dedicated to all participants with regard to assisting your family in the recovery process. For that reason we are on call to you on a 7-day a week, 24 –hour basis. The case manager carries a cellular telephone in order to respond to emergency situations when you are not able to handle the situation yourself. It is required that you contact your child’s Probation Officer within 24 hours if he/she violates any Drug Court Probation rules.

There will be times when you feel as if you must contact someone immediately. We think that you will find the vast majority of the time you can handle the situation yourself. We encourage you to do so. Remember that we are a team and in any emergency, we will be there for you. However, one of the treatment goals is for you to be able to handle all situations as a family.

CURFEWS

Curfews are determined according to age and program phase. Participants are to be in the home at the time of curfew and remain home until the next day at 6:00 a.m. Participants are only permitted to be out past curfew when accompanied by a parent.

Curfews may be periodically checked by unannounced home visits and/or telephone calls. It is required that the Case Manager sees the participant face to face and/or speaks to them directly on the telephone.

WORK SCHEDULES/PAY STUBS

If a participant works while in Drug Court, they are responsible for submitting work schedules on a weekly basis. Work schedules are to be submitted every week. Schedules are to be turned in at the beginning of the week, or as soon as they are available. Pay stubs must be submitted to the Probation Officer every time a paycheck is issued.

HOUSE ARREST

When a youth is on house arrest they are not to leave their residence without being accompanied by a parent/guardian or an approved adult.
The only times a youth is allowed to leave their residence without being accompanied by a parent/guardian is when in transit to Juvenile Drug Court meetings, groups, school and work.

JUVENILE ELECTRONIC MONITORING PROGRAM

This program entails wearing an ankle bracelet (a small monitor which looks similar to a pager) to monitor a client’s whereabouts.
The family is required to have a phone line available for the monitoring equipment to function. All extra services (i.e. call waiting, voice messaging, etc.) must be removed from the line. (See attachment)
All scheduling will be authorized through the Case Manager or as ordered by the Juvenile Drug Court Judge.

FEES

There will be a $5.00 treatment fee for each treatment session. This fee will be waived if juvenile and/or family attend the sessions. A $20.00 fee will be imposed for drug tests and other fees may be incurred for confirmation of positive drug tests. Court costs will be ordered in the amount of $35.00. All fees will be paid to the Jefferson County Juvenile Court. Under certain circumstances the case manager and/or case manager will grant a waiver for extenuating circumstances.You must contact your case manager ahead of time if you are going to be absent.

COURT APPEARANCES

You will be required to attend court at various intervals throughout the drug court program for hearings. Generally, you will appear in court more frequently at first, and less as you progress in the program. Your demeanor and appearance in Court is very important. You are expected to dress appropriately for Court. While in Court, participants will be expected to wear a shirt or blouse, pants, dress, or skirt of reasonable length. Shoes must be worn at all times. Participants are expected to wear clothes that are not sagging or that reveal stomachs, belly buttons, underwear, cleavage, or rear ends. Clothing bearing drug or alcohol related themes, promoting or advertising drug use, or bearing profanity is considered inappropriate. Absolutely no shorts, tube tops, halter type tops, or hats are allowed in the courtroom. Also, cellular phones and pages should not be brought into court. Sunglasses are not to be worn inside the Court unless medically approved. While in Court, you should respond openly and honestly when addressed by the Judge. You are expected to converse directly with the Judge about your progress. When addressing the Judge, you should look at him and address him as “Your Honor”. You should also sit/stand up straight and answer questions in a tone loud enough for the Judge to hear you.

TREATMENT

TREATMENT PLAN

You, your parent, Case Manager, and Treatment Counselor will develop an individualized treatment plan based on an overall assessment of your problems and needs. The treatment plan will act as a guide for your initial treatment phase and within it, you will set goals, select methods for meeting these goals, and develop target dates for achieving those goals. The treatment plan will be maintained by you and your Treatment Counselor and will be updated as you progress through the program.

COUNSELING

Substance abuse counseling will be done in several ways: individual, family, and group. As a part of your treatment plan, you will be required to participate in group counseling and may be asked to participate in family and individual counseling. Your attendance and participation at the counseling sessions will be reported to the Judge as a part of your progress report.

SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS

Attendance will be required in a sobriety support group such as AA/NA. The frequency of attendance is determined by your progress in the program and your phase level. Attendance is an important part of your recovery process to help familiarize you with a recovery program and help you develop levels of trust and to learn and create social bonds with others in recovery. Your Treatment Counselor will provide you with information regarding the time and location of meetings and will also direct you to special interest and recovery events in the community. You must provide proof of attendance to your Case Manager.

TREATMENT PHASES AND
ADVANCEMENT CRITERIA

The treatment program is a minimum of eight months in length and is comprised of four distinct phases:

PHASE I

During this phase (minimum of three months), you will be assigned a Treatment Counselor and provided with a complete assessment. You will meet with the Treatment Counselor to establish a treatment plan that addresses problem areas and needs. This plan will include family treatment goals. This phase will also include the following expectations:

Attend Court twice a month;
Meet weekly with Case Manager;
Attend Phase 1 group, three times a week, for at least 12 weeks;
Begin family therapy sessions. One session must be completed during Phase 1;
Attend Process Group every other week alternating with Family Process Group;
Attend Family Process Group every other week alternating with Process Group, at counselor’s discretion;
Attend one individual counseling per week if indicated by your treatment plan;
Comply with random drug testing (UA’s will be observed) and have clean UA’s for 30 days immediately prior to phase advancement;
Regularly attend school or structured community activity (i.e., work, community volunteering, GED preparation, vocational training, etc.);
Identify a support group (NA,AA,MA,etc.) to regularly attend while in Phase 2;
Meet goals and objectives of your treatment plan;
Demonstrate improved behavior at home;

PHASE II

During this phase (minimum of two (2) months), you and your Treatment Counselor will meet to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses issues in this second phase. This should include but is not limited to family therapy goals, relapse prevention planning, vocational, social and living skills, and include the following:

Attend Court twice a month;
Meet with Case Manager every week, unless otherwise directed;
Attend group, twice a week, for at least eight (8) weeks;
Attend counseling as indicated by your treatment plan;
Continue family therapy sessions (if indicated);
Attend community support group once a week, unless ordered to attend more;
Comply with random drug testing (UA’s will be observed) and have clean UA’s for 45 days immediately prior to phase advancement;
Regularly attend school or structured community activity (i.e. work, community volunteering, GED preparation, vocational training, etc.);
Meet all goals and objectives of individualized treatment plan;
Attend Family Process Group one (1) time per month;
Demonstrate improved behavior at home;

1-PHASE III

During Phase III (minimum of 1 1/2 months), you will be encouraged to take further steps of action in your recovery. You and your Treatment Counselor will develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses the following action steps: social, living, vocational, and educational skills, relapse prevention, and family therapy goals.

Attend Court one time per month;
Meet with Case Manager at least once a month;
Attend group, once a week, for at least 6 weeks;
Attend counseling as indicated by your treatment plan;
Attend community support group twice a week, unless ordered to attend more;
Comply with random drug testing (UA’s will be observed) and have clean UA’s for 45 days immediately prior to phase advancement;
Regularly attend school or structured community activity (i.e. work, community volunteering, GED preparation, vocational training, etc.);
Meet all goals and objectives of individualized treatment plan;
Help orient new youth to the program (if asked)
Construct an aftercare plan, which includes sobriety support, mental health outpatient counseling, or group attendance that is appropriate to your needs;
Demonstrate an understanding of personal problems of drug abuse, criminal behavior and relapse prevention;

AFTERCARE

The Aftercare Phase (minimum of 1 1/2 months) consists of a joint plan that includes expectations from the Drug Court Team and aspects important to participants and families to assist the youth in living a clean and sober lifestyle. The goal of the Aftercare Phase is to allow the youth to utilize the supports and skills they have developed to maintain a healthy, positive and productive lifestyle.

DRUG TESTING AND MEDICATION POLICY

You will be tested throughout your entire participation in Juvenile Drug Court. Failure to take a drug test will be considered a positive drug test result. The following are other expectations for drug testing:

Drug testing will be required on a frequent and random basis. All drug tests will be supervised. Drug Testing will be performed by both the treatment team staff and case manager or other team member as ordered.
A positive or “dirty” drug test will lead to a sanction or further recommendations made by the Juvenile Drug Court Team and could lead to termination from Juvenile Drug Court.
Juvenile Drug Court will test for a variety of drugs and alcohol. The test will also screen for tampering. If you submit a sample that appears to have been diluted or tampered with, you will be required to wait until a legitimate sample can be obtained or it will be deemed positive.
Any refusal or failure to give a drug test at the time requested by a treatment team staff, case manager or other team member as ordered would be considered a positive test.
You may be required to pay for the costs of any positive drug tests as well as altered tests that are sent to the laboratory for further confirmation.
Passive inhalation (second hand smoke) is not an excuse for a positive drug test.
You must immediately notify the Juvenile Drug Court Case Manager if medication is prescribed for you. You are not allowed to take prescription medication that has not been prescribed to you by a physician and you must take such medication as directed. A COPY OF THE PRESCRIPTION WILL BE REQUIRED.
You will refrain from taking over-the-counter medications and products (including mouthwash) that contain alcohol. You will refrain from the use of food products that contain poppy seed.
The only over the counter medication you are authorized to take are Ibuprofen, Motrin, Tylenol, and similar generic brands.
Robitussin, Nyquil, cold, allergy, or sinus medication may not be taken without a doctor’s note.

SANCTIONS

Non-compliance with the Drug Court Participant Contract or the court order will lead to sanctions. These may include, but are not limited to:

Increase in treatment sessions or additional treatment requirements
Increased monitoring and supervision
Weekday and/or weekend curfews
Repeating an earlier phase of the program for failure to graduate to a higher level
Limited contact with peers, restriction on associates and activities
Written papers and letters of apology
Community Service hours
Payment of fees
Electronic Monitoring
Restricted driving privileges
House confinement, or ability to leave home only when accompanied by a parent
Detention
Discharge from the program

INCENTIVES

Incentives will be provided to encourage or reward outstanding efforts or participation. Incentives include:

Promotion to next phase
Curfew extensions
Special prizes
Special Recognition
Permission to participate in special events
Waiver or Reduction in Fees

GRADUATION

Once you have successfully completed the criteria for each phase, you will be a candidate to graduate from the Juvenile Drug Court Program. It will be necessary to discuss your progress toward the goals you initially set and why you believe you have met the graduation criteria. Your family will be invited to join you in your graduation ceremony.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Your identity and privacy will be protected consistent with Arkansas and federal laws. In response to these regulations, policies and procedures have been developed which guard your confidentiality. Your parent or guardian will be asked to sign a waiver authorizing the transfer of information between participating agencies.

SUMMARY

The Juvenile Drug Court Program has been developed to help you achieve total abstinence from drugs and all criminal activity. The program is designed to promote self-sufficiency and to return you to the community as a productive and responsible member. The Judge and the Juvenile Drug Court Team are present to guide and assist you, but the final responsibility is yours. We hope this handbook has been helpful and answered most of your questions. If you have any additional questions, please contact us at 870-541-5455.

JUVENILE DRUG COURT PROGRAM GROUP RULES

I agree to come to group sessions free from the influence of any mood altering chemicals whatsoever.

I agree to abstain from the use of alcohol and all other drugs during my participation in the program.

I agree to attend all scheduled sessions and to arrive on time without fail.

I agree to preserve the anonymity and confidentiality of all group members. I will not divulge the identity of any group member or the content of any group or individual discussions to persons outside the group.

I agree to remain in the group for the time prescribed by the Juvenile Drug Court Team.

I understand that if I use, offer drugs or alcohol to any member of the group or use together with any group member; my actions will be immediately reported to the court.

I agree to raise for discussion in the group any issue which threatens my own or another member’s recovery.; I will not keep any secrets regarding another member’s substance use or destructive behavior.
I agree to give a supervised urine sample and/or breathalyzer exam whenever requested.

9. I agree to dress appropriately and to conduct myself in an appropriate manner during each session, which includes refraining from any verbally or physically abusive behavior.

ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIORS IN GROUP

1. Sharing information about self.

2. Giving feedback.

3. Accepting feedback.

4. Constructive confrontation.

5. Personalizing: I, Me, My.

6. Identifying feelings

7. Listening and responding in group..

8. Paying attention and caring.

JUVENILE DRUG COURT PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS

As a participant in the Juvenile Drug Court Program, I understand I am expected to:

Attend all group sessions as scheduled.
Telephone to request permission to miss a session. (Permission must be granted by the case manager and/or Drug Court Team Treatment Staff. Participants may be required to attend group to participate in urine screens only.)
Participate in the formulation of my treatment plan and all sessions suggested.
Complete all assignments.
Report to staff any medical, psychiatric, or psychological services I receive.
Report any medical or emotional changes that I may experience to the staff.
Report any prescription/non-prescription drugs I take.
Make an attempt to follow all directions and recommendations for behavior changes and accept referral that may be offered by the staff.
Participate in all group, individual and family sessions, and to interact honestly with peers, family and staff.

The above has been reviewed and explained to me and my signature indicates an understanding of the Juvenile Drug Court Program expectations and willingness to comply.

Participant Signature__________________________________ Date___________

Witness/Staff Signature________________________________

AGREEMENT BY PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S)

I/We understand the terms and conditions that will be imposed and must be followed in order for _________________________to participate in Juvenile Drug Court and hereby give permission for him/her to participate in the program subject to those conditions.

I/We agree to participate in Multi-family group sessions and in Family Therapy sessions.

I/We also understand and agree that as a condition of this program, I/We must participate in all diagnostic and treatment session that will be required by the Juvenile Drug Court.

I/We agree not to reveal anyone else’s information that I/We learn in Court or during treatment about any Juvenile Drug Court participants or their families.

I/We hereby authorize the release of all information about the medical and psychological condition, diagnostic evaluation(s), and/or treatment of _____________________ or me/us with the understanding that the information will only be used by the Juvenile Drug Court Team for the purpose of evaluating his/her progress in the Juvenile Drug Court program.

_______________________________ ______________________________

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Signature Date

_______________________________ ______________________________

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Signature Date

DRUG TESTING AGREEMENT

As a participant of the Jefferson and Lincoln County Juvenile Drug Court, I understand that I am required to provide a urine and/or breath sample at any time upon request by any member of the drug treatment court team. Such screens are conducted for the purpose of determining the presence of mood altering substances. I understand and agree to the following conditions:

I am to provide a urine sample that is my own and that all urine screens are to be observed by a same-sex member of the drug team.

2. Attempts to adulterate a urine sample (including dilution) are considered a violation and will result in sanctions being imposed.

Urine samples must be submitted within thirty (30) minutes of request or they are considered positive. If at group time, a urine sample that is not submitted within thirty (30) minutes after the scheduled start of group will be considered positive.

The taking of another person’s prescribed medication is a program violation subject to sanctions being imposed. Furthermore, should I be prescribed medication from my own physician, I will advise my probation officer or counselor immediately of this fact. I will refrain from taking over the counter medications and products (including mouthwash) that contain alcohol. Participants should also refrain from the use of fool products that contain poppy seeds.

I understand that I am to avoid being take out in the presence of the use of illegal substances. I am aware that my failure to remove myself from such situations may result in the imposition of sanctions.

I understand that drug testing is performed using on-site testing equipment or other approved drug testing devices. Should a urine sample be required to be sent to the laboratory for a confirmation test, I will be assessed the costs of the test. Should the confirmation test return negative, I understand that I will not be assessed any fee for the test.

I have read the above and/or have had the above read to me and understand the drug testing requirements of the Jefferson and Lincoln County Juvenile Court.

_______________________________________ _______________________

Participant Signature Date

________________________________________ _________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

________________________________________ _________________________

Drug Court Staff Signature Date

TRAVEL/SPECIAL EVENT REQUEST FORM

 Vacation  Curfew Extension  Special Event

Full Name: _______________________________________ Date:_________________

Names, Relationship, Address, and Telephone Number of Destination:

________________________________________________________________________

Purpose of Trip/Reason for Extension:

______________________________________________________________________________

Date Leaving:_____________________ Date of Return:__________________________

Method of Travel:_________________________________________________________

Accompanied By:_________________________________________________________

Client Signature:__________________________________________________________

APPROVED BY:

Judge______________________________ Case Manager________________________

Date:______________________________ Date:_______________________________

REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF APPEARANCE AT COURT OR COUNSELING SESSIONS

Full Name: _______________________________________

Date requested:____________________________________

Describe in detail why waiver is necessary: