An Evaluation of the Jefferson County, Alabama Adult Drug Court Program

• In Event: Poster Session II

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to conduct an outcomes evaluation of the Jefferson County, Alabama Adult Drug Court. The popularity of problem-solving courts has grown since the creation of the first drug court program in 1989. Their popularity rests in their operating outside the traditional court model under the legal philosophy of therapeutic jurisprudence. Drug courts are the most common problem-solving court program; however, the evidence supporting drug courts varies widely. Records from the Jefferson County Adult Drug Court Program (JCADCP) in Jefferson County, Alabama will serve as the primary data source. Original data collection will also be conducted to supplement the secondary data. This study will assess whether the JCADCP program produces its intended outcomes and whether its economic benefits outweigh its costs. The findings will assist the court in improving service provision for those appearing before the court. Policy implications of successful implementation will be addressed.

Author

• Taylor Ann Leet, University of Alabama at Birmingham