Champaign County Drug Court
Mission Statement
The mission of the Champaign County Drug Court is to help people with serious drug and alcohol problems treat their substance use disorder(s) and change their lives for the better without sending them to prison. Our implementation of evidence-based practices will reduce drug-related crimes and their costs to the community. The Champaign County Drug Court utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach under judicial supervision to assess, treat, provide services and monitor individuals who have a substance use disorder.
Facts about Drug Court
A drug court is a specialty court that manages substance use disorder cases through comprehensive supervision, drug testing, treatment and sanctions/incentives. Incarceration is an appropriate resolution for some defendants, but for many, society is better served by addressing the underlying causes of a defendant's substance use disorder.
Since 1989 when the first drug court was founded in Miami, FL, there has been scientific research that clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of drug court programs. Drug courts significantly reduce drug use, recidivism, and are much more cost-effective than traditional criminal justice methods. Today, there are more than 4200 drug courts in all 50 states, including the District of Columbia and several territories.
Substance use disorder is difficult to overcome in the best of circumstances. Individuals sentenced to Drug Court work hard to achieve and continue sobriety. A defendant's success requires tremendous dedication not only from them, but from the professional staff and their families to make the transition from substance abuse to recovery. The following agencies are represented on the Drug Court Team: State's Attorney, Public Defender, Court Services, Rosecrance, the Judiciary, the Sheriff's Department, Family Services, and CU at Home.
Local Drug Court Impact
Champaign County has one of the oldest drug courts in the country, dating back to its creation in 1999 by Hon. Jeffrey B. Ford (Ret.). Since its inception, the Champaign County Drug Court has invested heavily in justice-involved county residents who struggle with addiction and substance abuse, although it has changed significantly since its creation. Drug Court is paid for by grants, funding from the State of Illinois, and Champaign County, among other sources. The court is a partnership between the court, justice partners, treatment providers, and community organizations. The court functions by administering and overseeing judicially-supervised treatment that includes therapy, drug testing, and the provision of social services. The mission of the Champaign County Drug Court is to address the root causes of substance abuse while providing clinical education and treatment calculated to help our participants break out of their addictions in order to live healthy, productive lives. Well-run drug courts are an efficient, cost-effective way to lower recidivism, reduce imprisonment, and improve individual lives and communities.
Because Drug Court not only addresses substance use disorder but also lifestyle, businesses and citizens are no longer victimized to support the participants' substance use disorder. Because of Drug Court, Champaign County is a safer place to live and work.
In their own words:
A past graduate, EC, had this to say about Champaign County Drug Court:
" When I entered drug court, I was broken and trapped in a life of self-destruction and drug addiction. I burned bridges, hurt people I loved,
and didn't think I deserved another chance. The judges, counselors, and probation officers believed in me even when I didn't believe in
myself. It pushed me to face my mistakes, but it also gave me the tools I needed to rebuild my life. They didn't punish me-they guided me
and showed me that change was possible if I was willing to work for it. Because of drug court, I didn't just survive-I found myself again."
More information about the Champaign County Drug Court can be found on this website. For additional information and resources, please contact Krista March, Problem Solving Courts Coordinator at: (217) 384-3753 ext. 1420 or [email protected].
Drug Court Forms
- Request for Drug Court Assessment
- Consent to Participate in Drug Court Program
- Drug Court Assessment Timeline
- Client Handbook
- Graduation Requirements
You can learn more about drug courts at:
National Drug Court Resource Center
Illinois Problem Solving Courts
Meeting information
