Waterloo Region drug treatment court aims to break the cycle of crime

Here’s something we would say fits solidly in the ‘Smart on Crime” camp. Today, the Waterloo Region Record reports on the announcement of a drug treatment court for the Waterloo Region and area.

Drug treatment court aims to break cycle of crime

The justice systems (police, corrections, courts) have long identified drug and alcohol addiction, along with mental health issues, to be at the root of a high percentage of cases ending up in the criminal justice system. Most agree the justice system is not the best place, or most cost effective, to treat a drug or alcohol addition. In fact, most cycle through the revolving door as the root cause of the issue is never addressed.

Alternative approaches, such as drug treatment courts, are some success in getting to the roots of addition, criminal activity and incarceration for some individuals… and breaking the cycle of crime.

Some additional links:

• Department of Justice, Canada: Funding Drug Treatment Courts in Canada

• United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime: Drug Treatment Courts Work! (2005)

• Edmonton Drug Treatment and Community Restoration Court

• Regina Drug Treatment Court

• Evaluation of the Vancouver Drug Treament Court by Public Safety Canada (2008)

• Drug treatment courts in Canada: An evidence-based review (2007)

Update: On Thursday February 17, The Current, a program on CBC radio, interviewed the Calgary Chief of Police, Rick Hanson, about his plans for developing more effective ways to deal with additions in the justice system. The interview is well worth a listen – great food for thought!