Juvenile Drug Court
The mission of the Problem-Solving Courts, including Juvenile Drug Court, is to unite the judiciary, criminal justice entities, substance abuse treatment providers, and the community into a single program that reduces substance abuse by nonviolent offenders, restores them to law abiding productivity while lessening the fiscal impact on society.
In partnership with the community, the Drug Court Program is a cost-effective, holistic approach to reducing previous criminal behavior by offering qualified substance abuse offenders the tools necessary to lead a productive drug-free, and crime-free life.
For additional information, please contact:
Jean Bandish
Brevard County's Problem-Solving Courts Manager
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, Florida 32940
Office: (321) 617-7375
Email: Jean.Bandish@flcourts18.org
For additional information, please contact:
Chelsea Meyer
Seminole County's Juvenile Sanctions Coordinator
Juvenile Justice Center, 190 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773
Office: (407) 665-5344
Email: Chelsea.Meyer@flcourts18.org
Brevard County Juvenile Drug Court
PROGRAM HISTORY
HISTORY
Brevard County implemented the Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program in 2004. The drug court team includes a dedicated judge, a program coordinator, treatment counselors, probations officers, case managers, assistant state attorneys, assistant public defenders, and a representative from Brevard Public Schools, all working toward the same goals for the participant: maintain abstinence from drugs and alcohol, strengthen relationships, improve education, and reduce recidivism.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Brevard County Juvenile Drug Treatment Court (JDTC) is to provide effective intervention, treatment, and guidance to youths placed into the criminal justice system by activity related to drugs and/or alcohol, thereby making the community safer and setting the youths on a path to success to lead healthy, productive lives, and to become assets to the communities they live in.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
WHAT IS JUVENILE DRUG TREATMENT COURT?
Brevard County Juvenile Drug Treatment Court is a diversion program designed to help participants learn how to lead a drug free lifestyle, build healthy relationships, and become productive members of their community. Potential participants are screened and assessed by the drug court team. If the youth is deemed appropriate, they will begin in phase one and receive an individualized case management plan.
The program will include substance abuse treatment, drug screening, school/ education assessment, and supervision. Each participant’s progress is monitored by the drug court judge and the drug court team on a weekly basis at drug court hearings. A system of incentives and sanctions has been established to help motivate positive behavior and discourage non-compliance.
Family support and involvement is essential to the progress of the youth as they work toward maintaining sobriety and successfully completing the requirements of the drug court program. The drug court team will be there to help every step of the way.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Youth ages 17 and under
- No history of violent felony charges
- Drug related charges or crimes committed due to substance use.
- On probation or pre-trial diversion OR in violation of either program due to drug/alcohol use or associated behaviors
- Must be approved by the drug court team
JUVENILE DRUG COURT PHASES
There are 4 phases of treatment, designed to be less intensive as the participant progresses:
Phase 1: Orientation and Assessment
Phase 2: Intensive Treatment and Education
Phase 3: Rehabilitation and Relapse Prevention
Phase 4: Maintenance and After Care Planning
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For additional information, please contact:
Jean Bandish – Problem-Solving Courts Manager
The Moore Justice Center
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, 2nd Floor.
Viera, Florida 32940
(321) 617-7375
Email: Jean.Bandish@flcourts18.org
BREVARD JUVENILE DRUG COURT HANDBOOK
Seminole County Juvenile Drug Court
PROGRAM HISTORY
IMPOWER partners with the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Courts to deliver the Drug Court Program services in Seminole County to eligible adults and juveniles. The mission of the Seminole County Drug Court, which operates as a diversion program, is to unite judiciary, criminal justice entities, substance abuse treatment providers and the community into a single program that reduces substance abuse by nonviolent offenders, restores them to law abiding productivity while lessening the fiscal impact on society.
NOTE: Referrals for the program must be made directly by the State Attorney’s Office.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Juvenile Drug Court offers an alternative to the normal judicial process for delinquency cases. The process is initiated through the juvenile judicial process by the State Attorney’s Office.
IMPOWER, as the contracted treatment provider, then intervenes in cases and offers services to help the youth transition into a healthy lifestyle and greatly reduce the chance of a youth re-entering the system.
The Juvenile Drug Court Program is available at no cost to the individual or family.
A youth’s vision of a better life is supported through the Juvenile Drug Court Program through the following benefits:
- Specialized intensive substance abuse treatment
- Acquisition of the tools required for positive lifestyle changes and the development of improved coping skills.
- Strengthen family relationships.
- Enhance employment opportunities.
- Improve educational focus and goal setting.
- Potential to end juvenile probation upon successful completion of program.
- Nolle Prosequi (be unwilling to pursue, do not prosecute)
- Reduction in chance for recidivism.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Must be a youth 18 years or younger.
- Must have no violent offenses.
- Must have a documented substance abuse issue.
JUVENILE DRUG COURT PHASES
All Juvenile Drug Court participants must complete substance abuse treatment, delivered by IMPOWER, in the program phases outlined below. The length of program phases will vary depending on individual progress.
Phase 1:
- Attend 3 hours of group sessions weekly
- Individual counseling sessions weekly
- Family session monthly
- Random urinalysis testing weekly
Phase 2:
- Attend two hours of group sessions weekly
- Individual counseling session’s bi-weekly
- Family session monthly
- Random urinalysis testing weekly
Phase 3:
- Attend group weekly
- Individual counseling session’s monthly
- Family session monthly
- Random urinalysis testing weekly
Phase 4 (approximately 30 days):
- Attend group bi-weekly
- Individual counseling sessions as needed
- Family session monthly
- Random urinalysis testing weekly
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For additional information, please contact:
Chelsea Meyer – Juvenile Sanctions Coordinator
Juvenile Justice Center
190 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773
Office: (407) 665-5344
Email: Chelsea.Meyer@flcourts18.org
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