The Adult Drug Courts of New Hampshire Vermont

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The Adult Drug Courts of New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine: An Analysis of Effectiveness

The Adult Drug Courts of New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine: An Analysis of Effectiveness and Barriers to Expansion Prepared by: Jaya Batra ‘ 13 Austin Goldberg ’ 13 Adam Nasser ‘ 15 Portia Schultz ‘ 15

The Drug Court Model Participants: The Drug Court Model: -History of drug use -BJA’s

The Drug Court Model Participants: The Drug Court Model: -History of drug use -BJA’s 10 Criteria -Nonviolent crime -12 to 18 months -Must plead guilty -Random AOD testing -Resident of the county -Upon completion: no prison, felony expunged -Must have transportation -The drug court team Recovery Savings Social Benefits

Drug Courts Nationally • 1970 s and 80 s: increased drug use overcrowded prisons

Drug Courts Nationally • 1970 s and 80 s: increased drug use overcrowded prisons • 2, 600+ in the U. S. • GAO Study on Recidivism Participants: 6 -26% lower - Graduates: 12 -58% lower • Annual incarceration cost: $20, 000 -$50, 000 per inmate • Annual drug court cost: $9, 000 -$12, 000 per participant

Criteria for Evaluation 1. Recidivism Rates 2. Cost-Effectiveness 3. Impact Across Gender, Race, and

Criteria for Evaluation 1. Recidivism Rates 2. Cost-Effectiveness 3. Impact Across Gender, Race, and Age 4. Social Consequences

New Hampshire Has a drug court Developing a drug court

New Hampshire Has a drug court Developing a drug court

New Hampshire: Strafford • Operationalized in 2006 with DOJ start-up grant • Key Statistics

New Hampshire: Strafford • Operationalized in 2006 with DOJ start-up grant • Key Statistics -54% graduation rate with 100 graduates -10% have recidivated (new felony/misdemeanor) -Corrections vs. Drug Courts: $84/day vs. $9/day • Implemented female-only treatment groups

New Hampshire: Grafton • Operationalized in 2007 with $20, 000 DOJ start-up grant •

New Hampshire: Grafton • Operationalized in 2007 with $20, 000 DOJ start-up grant • Promising outcomes for 27 graduates: -Recidivism: 9 -10% vs. 67% for traditionally incarcerated nationwide -Per person costs of $2, 500 vs. $9, 000 -$12, 000 nationally

Vermont Has a drug court

Vermont Has a drug court

Vermont Chittenden • Recidivism: -36 -40% for participants -14% for graduates • Cost: -$85

Vermont Chittenden • Recidivism: -36 -40% for participants -14% for graduates • Cost: -$85 per day cheaper than jail • Graduation: -624 enrolled, 482 graduated (77%) Rutland • Recidivism: -60% for participants -22% for graduates • Cost: -$3 return on each dollar invested • Graduation: -36% graduation rate

Maine • Currently, 5 counties with drug courts -1, 435 participants as of 2012

Maine • Currently, 5 counties with drug courts -1, 435 participants as of 2012 • Recidivism: 17% drug courts v. 33% traditionally incarcerated (ME study) • Cost: $3. 30 saved for $1 spent • Additional Benefits -60 drug free-births since 2001 -$750, 000 -1, 400, 000 lifetime savings

Policy Research Shop Cost-Benefit Analysis Projected Drug Court Cost-Savings Over 5 Years as a

Policy Research Shop Cost-Benefit Analysis Projected Drug Court Cost-Savings Over 5 Years as a Function of the Annual Number of New Participants $16, 000 $14, 000 25 new participants annually $12, 000 Savings $10, 000 $8, 000 50 new participants annually $6, 000 100 new participants annually $4, 000 $2, 000 $0 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 * Model uses data from Rutland County to extrapolate savings for 50 and 100 new participants

Policy Research Shop Key Takeaways • Drug courts seem to be an effective alternative

Policy Research Shop Key Takeaways • Drug courts seem to be an effective alternative to incarceration in NH, ME, and VT – Reduced recidivism, except Penobscot County, ME – Long-term cost savings • Common demographic characteristics – Lower graduation rates for female and young participants • BJA grants serve as a primary source of funding

Policy Research Shop Keys to Success • Clear criteria for termination • Treatment activities

Policy Research Shop Keys to Success • Clear criteria for termination • Treatment activities as sanctions • Ongoing judicial interaction • Targeted programs for female clients • Expeditious referral time • Separate participants by level of risk

Policy Research Shop The Future of Drug Courts Deterrent: Cost & Infrastructure • National

Policy Research Shop The Future of Drug Courts Deterrent: Cost & Infrastructure • National Drug Court Institute cites cost as primary obstacle to drug court expansion • Large, upfront grant required to initiate program • Court cost usually absorbed by county budget

Policy Research Shop The Future of Drug Courts Deterrent: Perception & Ideology • Are

Policy Research Shop The Future of Drug Courts Deterrent: Perception & Ideology • Are Drug Courts “soft” on crime? • Additional treatment vs. incarceration

Policy Research Shop Conclusion • Drug courts as an effective alternative to incarceration in

Policy Research Shop Conclusion • Drug courts as an effective alternative to incarceration in NH, ME, and VT: – Reduce recidivism – Promote recovery – Create cost-savings • Analysis limited by small sample sizes • Policy Options: – Greater financial support – Tailor programs to key demographics – Adoption of best-practices