Adult and juvenile drug courts are specialized court docket programs that target adults charged with or convicted of a crime and youth involved in the juvenile justice system who have drug dependency problems. These court programs offer individuals with substance use disorders the opportunity to enter long-term drug treatment and court supervision rather than a jail sentence. Under the supervision and authority of the court, the participant’s progress is monitored. Progress in these court programs are typically measured by maintaining recovery and working on lifestyle changes.

There is no universal model for drug court programs but there are two common ways in which people enter drug court.

• Pre-Trial or Deferred Prosecution: Defendants who meet eligibility requirements are diverted from traditional court proceedings into drug court prior to pleading to a charge.
• Post-Adjudication: Defendants who meet eligibility requirements plead guilty to their charges and their sentences are deferred or suspended while they participate in the drug court program.

Programs are generally managed by a multidisciplinary team including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, community corrections officers, social workers, and treatment service professionals. Support from stakeholders representing law enforcement, the family, and the community is encouraged through participation in hearings, programming, and events such as graduation.