Drug Treatment Court Funding Program CCJA Conference Halifax, Nova Scotia October 30, 2009

DTC FP - What was intended Program Objectives Promote and strengthen the use of alternatives to incarceration for the drug addicted offender Build knowledge and awareness about Drug Treatment Courts (DTCs) in the Canadian context Collect information and data on the effectiveness of Canadian DTC pilot sites Policy Objectives Prosecution of federal drug offences Policy function that facilitates*: under National-Anti Drug Strategy - Treatment Action Plan, innovative approaches to drug treatment services; and national policy development, data collection and information sharing across jurisdictions that will contribute to criminal law policy objectives in Canada * through the use of the federal spending power

DTC FP - What we learned...Summative Evaluation '09 Majority of DTC Participants year old white male with some high school (grade 10/11) Homeless; Unemployed; Mental health concerns Serious drug addiction to crack cocaine, heroin or crystal methamphetamine Typical crimes: possession with intent; property crimes; and theft Pro social / Cost effective Outcomes Challenges with limited availability of consistent and complete outcome data and cost information: Challenges in determining global DTC costs "If it doesn't exist in the data world, it doesn't exist"

DTC FP - What we learned...Summative Evaluation '09 Graduation rates ranged from 6% to 36% Compared to 17% completion rate on standard outpatient drug treatment programs Influenced by safe housing, self motivation, and various demographics Program Effectiveness Short duration (3 years of operations) deems results inconclusive, However, Winnipeg DTC Outcome Evaluation confirmed*: of 21 graduates, only 2 have reoffended (9% recidivism rate); and of 37 discharged, only 10 have reoffended (27% recidivism rate) * as of December 2008

DTC FP - Summative Evaluation '09 Summary Model appropriately tested in Canada; While inconclusive, shows potential Recommendations Continue to study the effectiveness of DTCs in Canada Work more closely with provincial and territorial governments Facilitate effective communication among key stakeholders DTC Information System needs to collect consistent information Single evaluation framework Continue to include housing as an integral component of the Program

Thank you Questions?