Jefferson Parish Juvenile Drug Treatment Court

The mission of the Jefferson Parish Juvenile Drug Treatment Court is to
reduce juvenile crime and drug use through therapeutic interventions and
intensive judicial supervision of children and families thereby
improving juvenile and family functioning and community safety.

The Juvenile Drug Treatment Court is designed to help juveniles receive
treatment to end their substance abuse, to improve their family
relationships and functioning, and to stop criminal activity through
intensive treatment and court supervision. The incentives of the Drug
Court are treatment, both individual and family; reduced probation since
the juvenile's case will be dismissed at the successful completion of
the program; and the juvenile will be eligible to return to school
sooner.

The program is intensive and requires a commitment from the juvenile and
his/her parent(s)/guardian(s). Clients of the Drug Court must agree to
complete all program requirements weekly or submit to sanctions.
Sanctions occur when a juvenile is absent from scheduled program events;
misses individual or family therapy; tests positive for drug use; misses
a drug screen; fails to attend court hearings; commits a crime; or fails
to follow court orders or orders of probation or treatment. At the same
time, a juvenile can receive an incentive if they progress in treatment,
are committed to school, and the family cooperates with all phases of
the program.

After acceptance into the program, juveniles are assessed by the
therapists on the Drug Court staff of Jefferson Parish Human Services
Authority. This assessment determines the extent of the juvenile's drug
use, his/her functioning in the family, in the community and school. At
this time, a court date is given. Parents also agree to submit to random
drug screens and to attend all court sessions. If it is evident that a
parent is in need of his/her own drug, alcohol, or psychiatric
treatment, he/she is encouraged to seek the help needed. If treatment is
not sought, the Court will mandate that the parent does so.

Every week, the treatment staff and probation officers will provide
reports to the Court regarding the juvenile's progress in treatment,
school, and at home. This progress report includes recommendations to
the Court about what services the juvenile needs, and suggestions for
sanctions for objectionable behaviors or incentives to encourage
continued progress in treatment.

The time committed to the program from the juvenile and their family is
worthwhile because the program does assist juveniles in attaining
continued sobriety, increases positive family involvement, and
encourages education. Self-esteem improves when a juvenile learns to
make choices that are positive and create success in his life.
Successful completion of the program gives the extra bonus of release
from the legal charges that first brought the juvenile into treatment.

**WHAT IS A JUVENILE DRUG COURT?**

A Juvenile Drug Court is a special court given the responsibility to
intervene when a juvenile who is involved in probation is at risk for
failure in probation because of continued drug or alcohol use. A
Juvenile Drug Court Program works intensely with the adolescent and
his/her family to create a different way of thinking and behaving as a
family unit. This program includes scheduled drug testing, judicial and
probation supervision, individual, and family counseling, drug abuse
treatment, and requires completion of an educational plan. Incentives to
encourage progress and sanctions to deter relapse are used throughout
the program duration. The Judge, who plays an active role in supervising
drug court clients, gives these incentives and sanctions.

**PARTNERSHIP**

You have joined a unique partnership with the Judge, District Attorney,
Public Defender, Probation Officer, Sheriff's Deputy, and Treatment
Professionals. The treatment team consists of a Program Director, and
Therapists. Everyone is dedicated to helping you get your life on track.
Our responsibility to you is to do everything possible to help you and
your family make the necessary changes in order to remain clean and
sober. You and your family will play an active role in all aspects of
your treatment.

The Jefferson Parish Criminal Justice Community is wishing you great
success with your recovery and is dedicated to working with you and your
family to make the necessary changes in your life. They do not want to
see you in jail. This program is dedicated to support you and your
family's decision to enter this program, and wishes you great success.

**PROGRAM DESCRIPTION**

###### Goals of Drug Court

1.  All drug court clients will remain drug-free while in the program
    and will be encouraged to abstain from illegal drug use after
    graduation from program;

2.  75% of the participants will not progress further into the criminal
    justice system during their program participation;

3.  75% of the participants will decrease their anti-social behavior;

4.  All clients will work toward a high school diploma, attend graduate
    equivalency classes, or other form of alternative education such as
    vocational/technical programs;

5.  All clients that are deemed appropriate because of age or
    circumstance will attain and maintain socially-sanctioned employment
    and;

6.  75% of the families of clients will improve their intra-family
    functioning.

###### Criteria for Admission

1.  The offender must have an adjudication pending and/or has been
    adjudicated for a drug-related offense or;

2.  The offender must have an adjudication pending for a
    non-drug-related offense with a history of substance abuse that is
    documented by school, treatment agency, Diversion Program,
    Correctional Options Program, or probation records and;

3.  The offender and his/her family must be willing to participate fully
    in an intensive treatment program and avail themselves of all
    related services in compliance with the terms set out by the
    Jefferson Parish Juvenile Drug Treatment Court;

4.  The offender cannot meet the definition of a violent offender as
    defined by section 2203 of the Crime Act and;

5.  If on probation, offender must have 1-3 years of probation left or
    agree to extend probation, and;

6.  The offender should exhibit significant family/school problems.

###### Program Requirements

The Jefferson Parish Juvenile Drug Court Treatment Program is projected
to last nine to fifteen months. The program consists of three levels. A
graduation from the program is scheduled after all levels of the program
have been completed. The treatment segment of the program is based on
individualized plans developed between the therapist, the client, and
the family after a complete assessment of the client's and family's
functioning. The following is a generalized list of requirements during
the program, but these may be increased or decreased upon demonstrated
need or ability of each client. All requirements are client and family
driven. All clients will be assessed weekly based on their treatment
plan and individual goals. If necessary, parental/family treatment plan
will be developed based on assessments. Parents will submit to random
drug screens as needed.

Upon successful completion of level requirements, the Judge will promote
a client to the next level. Any failure to comply with these
requirements is addressed in treatment and sanctioned by the Court.
These recommendations are decided by the Juvenile Drug Court Team and
are subject to the approval of the Court. The Court may also consider
other options such as: retention at a particular level for stated time
period, reduction to a lower level, or probation revocation filing which
will terminate the client form the Drug Court Program.

#### *Level I* -- four to six months/Beginning Level

-   two scheduled drug screens and random screens as necessary
    (therapist and Sheriff's Deputy)

-   one to three home visits per week, which may include one individual
    therapy session with the client and a family session;

-   daily interventions as needed will also be implemented;

-   weekly court hearings; and

-   random bi-monthly probation meeting with the probationer and
    officer.

**[Promotion Criteria for Level I:]{.underline}**

1.  Must test clean for six consecutive weeks;

2.  Must be in school or working towards GED (if appropriate) with no
    unexcused (defined by court) absences and making progress;

3.  Must maintain goals for at least six weeks;

4.  Must become employed (if appropriate) and remain employed or must be
    involved in outside activities or a volunteer agency;

5.  Must complete a paper with family members on "Why I am Ready to be
    Promoted to Level II"; and

6.  Must be recommended for promotion by the Drug Court Team

#### *Level II* --one to three months/Transition Level:

-   one scheduled drug screen per week (treatment) and random screens as
    necessary (probation and Sheriff's Deputy);

-   weekly contact by the client with life skills therapist; weekly
    contact by the therapist with the parent/guardian or
    educational/supportive therapy as needed;

-   home and school contacts will be made by the therapist to ensure
    active participation and compliance;

-   the therapist will also monitor the use of social and community
    supports; and

-   bi-weekly court hearings; and

-   random bi-monthly probation meeting with the probationer and
    officer.

**[Promotion Criteria for Level II:]{.underline}**

1.  Must test clean for six weeks;

2.  Must be in school or working towards GED (if appropriate) with no
    unexcused (defined by court) absences and making progress;

3.  Must maintain goals for at least six weeks;

4.  Must become employed (if appropriate) and remain employed or must be
    involved in outside activities or a volunteer agency;

5.  Must complete a paper with family members on "Why I am Ready to be
    Promoted to Level III"; and

6.  Must be recommended for promotion by the Drug Court Team.

***Level III* -- one to three months/Graduate Level**

-   a minimum of three random drug screens will be administered each
    month during this level (treatment, probation and Detective. Dunne);

-   monitoring client and family\'s handling of crises with minimum
    intervention from the probation officer;

-   monitoring the presence and use of social community supports; and

-   monthly court hearings.

**[Graduation Criteria:]{.underline}**

1.  Must remain clean and sober for three consecutive months post Level
    I;

2.  Must have three consecutive months of consistent progress in school
    and/or job;

3.  Must have no arrests for the last three months;

4.  Must have no probation violations for the last three months;

5.  Must have followed all court orders for the last three months;

6.  Must complete an essay: How has the Juvenile Drug Treatment Program
    Been of Benefit to My Life? And Why? This essay must be presented in
    court; and

7.  Must be recommended for graduation by Drug Court Team.

**\*\* Any deviation from this criteria must be approved by Drug Court
Team\*\***

 

**[Incentives and Sanctions]{.underline}**

Incentives are rewards for responsible and positive behaviors. Sanction
means that if you fail to follow through with your responsibilities,
there will be consequence. You decide what you will receive based on the
decisions you make and the actions you take. There is a direct
relationship between what you do and what you get.

## [Possible sanctions and incentives are as follows]{.underline}:

####### Incentives Sanctions

Free Lessons Butt Patrol

Extended Curfew Verbal Reprimand

Movie Pass Assigned Essay

Food Coupons/Gift Certificates Increased Supervision

Pizza Parties Stricter Curfew

T-shirts Community Service

Early Termination of Probation/Graduation House Arrest with EMP

Free Activity Passes Weekend in Detention

Sports Tickets Loss of Privileges

Concert Tickets Shock Incarceration

Reduction of Community Service Hours Revocation

**Violations:**

If a client has a major violation or multiple smaller violations in a
level, they may be ordered to

start a level over.

**Absconding:**

If a client is absent from all program requirements (fails to appear at
status hearings, group treatment, etc.) he/she is considered to have
absconded from the program. The court will issue a bench warrant for the
client's arrest and a Sheriff's deputy will be sent out to find the
client. After a period of 30 days, the Court will order termination from
the program and the case will be transferred back to the original Judge.

**CLIENT RELATIONS**

**EQUAL OPPORTUNITY**

You have the right to receive treatment services without discrimination
as to gender, race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sexual
preference, marital status or physical disability.

**SAFETY**

Safety is everybody's responsibility. The clinic joins with you in a
desire to prevent the tragedy, pain and economic loss due to accidents.
Safety rules are posted on clinic bulletin boards for your convenience.

**CONFIDENTIALITY**

You have the right to confidentiality. No information may be released by
staff without your written consent. Anything that is discussed in a
session must remain within the confines of the session. No information
pertaining to any client should be discussed outside of session.
Information on your case will be shared with the Judge and drug court
team members.

**FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS**

Probation fees will continue to be charged during the program. Clients
are responsible for paying all fees and any restitution in full before
graduation. Treatment fees will be based on a sliding fee scale. Proof
of income and insurance/Medicaid must be presented to your therapist at
intake or when requested. If appropriate, Medicaid will be billed on
your behalf.

**INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY THERAPY**

Your treatment in the program will consist of both regularly scheduled
family and individual therapy sessions with your therapist. You will be
required to participate in the sessions. Non-participation will be
grounds for sanctions given by the Judge. Most of your treatment will be
conducted in your home.

You and your family members will be court ordered to participate in
regularly scheduled, home-based family counseling sessions.

These sessions will include educational lectures and discussions,
role-playing and traditional therapy. These individual family visits
will allow you and your family to discuss issues that are troubling you.
It also allows the court to monitor living arrangements and home
environment.

The family involvement is a vitally important component to the Juvenile
Drug Court Program. When someone in the family is a substance abuser, it
affects the entire family system, including the non-using family
members. An integrated treatment plan will be developed with emphasis on
family stability aimed at the reduction of delinquent behaviors and the
maintenance of a substance-free lifestyle. The frequency of the family
contact will be adjusted according to the needs of the family in the
treatment process. Family members are required to attend all sessions
and submit to random drug testing. Failure to do so can result in
sanctions from the Judge for the family members.

**DRUG SCREENING**

You are required to provide a urine sample on a regular basis to monitor
progress. Always come to the clinic and court prepared to provide a
urine sample. The inability or refusal of a client or parent to provide
a sample will be reported as a stall, treated as a positive, and subject
to sanctions by the Judge. After the designated scheduled times, the
staff will not accept samples. A same-sex staff member will supervise
specimens.

Scheduled Times:

Eastbank- Monday and Friday 4:30pm-5:00pm, 3101 West Napoleon Ave,
Metairie

Westbank- Monday and Friday 4:00pm-4:30pm, 5001 Westbank Expressway,
Marrero

In addition to the scheduled drug screens, at anytime you may be
requested to provide a random drug screen. These screens may take place
through the Sheriff's Deputy who appears at your home, your clinician
during a home visit, or your probation officer on a visit. These random
screens are provided to ensure you are able to remain drug free.

If you have a positive screen that you can be sanctioned for (new use),
you will be charged \$10 for the screen. If you miss a screen, you will
be charged \$10. If you or your parent/guardian challenges the results
of a drug screen, a fee of \$25 will be charged to you if the results
are confirmed.

Urinalysis results will be documented and made available to the court.
Once again, any positive urine screens, stalls or missed screens can be
grounds for legal sanctions given by the Judge.

Upon entering the program, the drug court team will give you 30 days to
get clean. If at anytime during that 30 day period your screen levels
increase, you will be sanctioned. In addition, if you are negative at
anytime during the 30 days and return with a positive screen, you will
be sanctioned. If you are still positive on day 31, you will be
sanctioned.

**STATUS HEARING**

You and your family are required to attend regularly scheduled status
hearings to notify the Judge of your treatment progress. Your therapist
and probation officer will complete a status report in conjunction with
each scheduled court date. Rewards and praise are given for progress.
Sanctions may be issued by the Judge for non-compliance.

**PHYSICIAN APPOINTMENTS**

Every client will be scheduled an appointment with the Drug Court
Psychiatrist. If necessary, the psychiatrist may schedule additional
visits and/or prescribe medication. Failure to attend a Physician
appointment will result in a fine of \$65 for first miss and \$100 for
every missed appointment following.

**REFERRAL SOURCES**

The treatment clinicians and probation officers will make referrals for
clients in need of additional treatment services.

**DRESS CODE**

Clients have a responsibility to dress and appear in the clinic and at
court according to standards of propriety, safety, and health. The dress
code rules are as follows:

-   Clients will be fully attired at all times.

> Tank tops or undershirts (as outer garments) are not acceptable.

-   Shirts must be worn at all times. Shirts with squaretails must be
    long enough to cover the stomach. No bare midriffs will be allowed
    for men or women.

-   Loose-fitting slacks, shorts, skirts, and jeans are acceptable.
    Pants must be worn at waist level, not around the hips. Underpants
    and boxers should never be visible. Shorts and skirts must be no
    more than 5 inches above the knee.

-   Footwear with soles must be worn. No slippers or flip-flops.

-   No clothing displaying alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, nude
    pictures or obscenities that may be offensive to other clients or
    staff will be allowed.

-   No hats, caps, bandanas, sweatbands, or other headgear will be
    permitted in the building at any time. No sunglasses will be worn
    indoors.

-   Earrings in nostrils, navels and other areas other than the ear are
    not allowed.

-   Women must wear appropriate underwear, such as bras.

**TARDINESS AND ABSENTEEISM**

It is your responsibility to be on time for all treatment sessions. You
will not be allowed to enter scheduled sessions if you are late and this
will be recorded as an unexcused absence. The only absences that will be
excused are doctor appointments and school/work. To excuse an absence,
there must be a written verification on medical or school/company
letterhead. No handwritten notes will be accepted. All absences, excused
and unexcused, will be reported to the Judge and sanctions may be
imposed. If a home visit or individual therapy is missed without
notifying your social worker of the absence ahead of time, you will be
charged \$25 for each miss.

**DRUG COURT VIOLATIONS**

Parents/Guardians will be fined if they do not disclose drug court
violations. Fines will escalate for each non-disclosed violation.
Clients will not be given weekly credit for violations.

**CURFEW**

Upon entering Drug Court, your curfew will be 7pm. Your curfew can be
increased by your probation officer and the Court. All clients will
adhere to the established curfew set by their probation officer. Failure
to adhere to your curfew is a probation violation and is subject to
sanctions from the Judge. Sheriff's Deputy or Probation Officer will
conduct random curfew checks. Parents/Guardians will be fined for
non-disclosure of curfew violations. If you intend to leave your home
after curfew, you MUST contact your probation officer prior to leaving
(even if you are leaving with a parent).

**CONDUCT**

You are asked to take both the time and effort to be polite to everyone.
You should show respect to staff and peers at all times. Maintaining
appropriate behavior and language is indicative of the progress you are
making toward your recovery.

Inappropriate sexual behavior, swearing, or harassment toward staff will
not be tolerated. Any sexual contact among peers is grounds for
dismissal from the program. No physical violence or threats of violence
will be tolerated toward staff or other clients. No interaction with
adult clients will be allowed. According to your probation contract, no
contact with another individual on probation is allowed.

Cell phones and pagers are not allowed while in this program. If a cell
phone or pager is found in client's possession, it will be confiscated!
If you are addressed regarding any of these issues, you will be asked to
appear before the Judge. If a problem persists, you may be discharged
from the program.

**SMOKING POLICY**

All Juvenile Drug Court facilities prohibit smoking. It is against the
law for anyone under the age of 18 to possess or use tobacco products.
This includes smoking, chewing, snuff, etc. There will be no substance
use or possession of substances while at the clinic, court or probation
office. Any staff member may confiscate tobacco products at any time! If
you are caught smoking, you will be sanctioned and may be required to
attend a smoking cessation program.

**PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION**

Any medication prescribed by a physician or taken over-the-counter needs
to be reported to your probation officer or therapist prior to taking
the medication. Mood altering prescriptions are prohibited, unless
approved by staff and Medical Director. All medications will not
automatically be accepted (example: pain medication). Failure to comply
with proper procedure or a positive screen may result in sanctions by
the Judge. In addition, you must write all prescriptions you have taken
on your drug screen form prior to providing the sample.

**Addendum 1**

**PARTICIPATION CONTRACT**

I agree to the following as conditions of my participation:

1.  After assignment by the Jefferson Parish Juvenile Drug Court, an
    appointment will be made with the Juvenile Drug Court Treatment
    Supervisor for an intake interview.

2.  This interview will be conducted to determine whether my
    participation in the Drug Court Treatment Program is clinically
    appropriate. If appropriate, I will be assigned to a clinical case
    manager/therapist.

3.  Also, if deemed appropriate, I will be assigned a court date to
    observe the Drug Court proceedings.

4.  At that court date, I will be formally accepted into the Drug Court
    Treatment Program. Treatment will continue for approximately one (1)
    year, but may be less or more depending on my progress.

5.  Program requirements will be divided into three (3) levels. The
    requirements are as follows:

#### *Level I* -- four to six months/Beginning Level

-   two scheduled drug screens and random screens as necessary
    (therapist and Detective Dunne);

-   one to three home visits per week, which may include one individual
    therapy session with the client and a family session;

-   daily interventions as needed will also be implemented;

-   weekly court hearings; and

-   random bi-monthly probation meeting with the probationer and
    officer.

**[Promotion Criteria for Level I:]{.underline}**

1.  Must test clean for six consecutive weeks;

2.  Must be in school or working towards GED (if appropriate) with no
    unexcused (defined by court) absences and making progress;

3.  Must maintain goals for at least six weeks;

4.  Must become employed (if appropriate) and remain employed or must be
    involved in outside activities or a volunteer agency;

5.  Must complete a paper with family members on "Why I am Ready to be
    Promoted to Level II"; and

6.  Must be recommended for promotion by the Drug Court Team

#### *Level II* --one to three months/Transition Level:

-   one scheduled drug screen per week (treatment) and random screens as
    necessary (probation and Detective. Dunne);

-   weekly contact by the client with life skills therapist; weekly
    contact by the therapist with the parent/guardian or
    educational/supportive therapy as needed;

-   home and school contacts will be made by the therapist to ensure
    active participation and compliance;

-   the therapist will also monitor the use of social and community
    supports; and

-   bi-weekly court hearings; and

-   random bi-monthly probation meeting with the probationer and
    officer.

**[Promotion Criteria for Level II:]{.underline}**

1.  Must test clean for six weeks;

2.  Must be in school or working towards GED (if appropriate) with no
    unexcused (defined by court) absences and making progress;

3.  Must maintain goals for at least six weeks;

4.  Must become employed (if appropriate) and remain employed or must be
    involved in outside activities or a volunteer agency;

5.  Must complete a paper with family members on "Why I am Ready to be
    Promoted to Level III"; and

6.  Must be recommended for promotion by the Drug Court Team.

***Level III* -- one to three months/Graduate Level**

-   a minimum of three random drug screens will be administered each
    month during this level (treatment, probation and Detective. Dunne);

-   monitoring client and family\'s handling of crises with minimum
    intervention from the probation officer;

-   monitoring the presence and use of social community supports; and

-   monthly court hearings.

**[Graduation Criteria:]{.underline}**

1.  remain clean and sober for three consecutive months post Level I;

2.  have three consecutive months of consistent progress in school
    and/or job;

3.  have no arrests for the last three months;

4.  have no probation violations for the last three months;

5.  followed all court orders for the last three months;

6.  complete an essay: How has the Juvenile Drug Treatment Program Been
    of Benefit to My Life? And Why? This essay must be presented in
    court; and

7.  be recommended for graduation by Drug Court Team.

**\*\* Any deviation from this criteria must be approved by Drug Court
Team\*\***

6\. After a complete clinical assessment, I agree to sign an
individualized plan for treatment with

> my case manager/therapist and to participate in the accomplishment of
> goals and objectives as designated.

7\. I understand the Jefferson Parish Juvenile Drug Court Judge,
Jefferson Parish Human Services

> Authority and the Special Probation Officers will share information on
> my case, especially my attendance in counseling, results of urinalysis
> and progress in the program and school.

8\. Failure to attend counseling, remain drug and alcohol free,
demonstrate progress in treatment,

obey the law, or my probation contract will result in a review of my
case by the Jefferson Parish Juvenile Drug Court Judge to determine my
continued participation in the Drug Court Program or the imposition of
interim legal consequences including incarceration.

9\. I understand that I must tell the Court and my Probation Officer if
I am arrested at anytime while on probation.

10\. I understand that if I miss or my family misses a home visit,
family therapy session, and/or clinician appointment, I will be charged
Twenty-five Dollars (\$25) and if I miss a physician's appointment, I
will be charged sixty-five Dollars (\$65) first missed appointment and
One Hundred Dollars (\$100) thereafter.

11\. I understand that my curfew is 7pm unless changed by the Court and
my probation officer.

12\. I understand that I cannot carry a beeper or cellular phone.

13\. I understand that I cannot smoke while in this program or on
probation.

14\. I understand that I cannot eat anything containing poppy seeds.

15\. I understand that no display of gang paraphernalia, colors,
clothing, or signals will be acceptable while in the program.
Appropriate sized clothing will be worn at all times.

16\. I understand that the Court reserves the right to change the rules
at anytime.

17\. I agree to extend my probation until I complete the program.

18\. I understand and accept the contents and ramifications of this
agreement which I have read or have had read to me.

**IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS**

JPHSA Juvenile Drug Court Office 349-8796

Probation Office (WB) 364-3750

(EB) 838-1070

Juvenile Court 367-3500

In a crisis, contact your probation officer or your therapist.

In an emergency, contact Jefferson Parish Crisis Team at 832-5123.