DEPARTMENT: Community Corrections
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
title
Update On Multicultural Juvenile Drug Treatment Court
end
PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Receive an update on the Multicultural Juvenile Drug Treatment Court.
SUMMARY
In 2021, Dakota County Community Corrections received a federal grant to enhance and strengthen the Juvenile Drug Treatment Court. The grant was originally awarded for four years and has since been extended through October 31, 2026, allowing the program to continue building and sustaining enhanced services.
The Juvenile Drug Treatment Court is a collaborative, multidisciplinary initiative designed to improve outcomes for justice-involved youth experiencing substance use disorders (SUD).
The primary Drug Court Team includes the client’s defense attorney, the County Attorney, the presiding Judge, the assigned Probation Officer, a Probation Supervisor, and the Wraparound Program Services Coordinator. This team meets regularly to monitor substance use progress, review treatment engagement, address barriers to sobriety, and ensure consistent and informed decision-making throughout each participant’s involvement in the program.
A specialized Clinical Team provides assessment and guidance on responsivity factors and individualized interventions for youth struggling with SUD and co-occurring behavioral health needs. This team consists of a Mental Health Supervisor, Chemical Health Supervisor, Evidence-Based Practices Coordinator, Equity and Resource Coordinator, Probation Officer, and Supervisor. Their focus is to evaluate substance use severity, identify appropriate treatment pathways, and ensure that interventions align with best practices in SUD treatment and adolescent development. Beginning in 2026, the Clinical Team will also review potential referrals to the Juvenile Drug Treatment Court prior to their presentation to the Primary Team to ensure earlier clinical insight and strengthen the program’s ability to match youth and families with the most appropriate supports.
The Juvenile Drug Treatment Court integrates a comprehensive array of programming designed to address substance use and support lasting recovery. Services include chemical dependency treatment and aftercare, Habilitation Empowerment Accountability Therapy (H.E.A.T.) 4 Youth (a culturally specific cognitive-based therapy program), Wraparound services, Family Peer Support groups, Community Coaches, and other culturally grounded supports. Together, these interventions help youth reduce or eliminate illegal drug use, build prosocial skills, strengthen family engagement, and establish long-term stability.
OUTCOMES
How Much: Dakota County received $750,000 in federal funding over four years to enhance the Juvenile Drug Treatment Court. This investment allowed the program to expand culturally responsive, evidence-based services and strengthen coordination between treatment, supervision, and family supports. The funding supported the implementation of new therapeutic and mentoring components designed to better address substance use, mental health, and family stability.
How Many: Since implementing these program enhancements, 36 youth have participated in the Juvenile Drug Treatment Court. These youth represent individuals with significant substance use and co-occurring needs who are at high risk for deeper justice system involvement without intervention. The program provides an intensive, structured alternative to traditional court processing.
Who Is Better Off: Youth are better off through increased access to culturally responsive treatment, skill-building interventions, and consistent mentoring supports that address the root causes of substance use and related behaviors. Families are better off through peer support and increased engagement in their child’s recovery and accountability process. The community and justice system are better off through improved public safety, more effective use of resources, and reduced reliance on deeper system involvement for youth who can be safely and effectively served in the community.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Information only; no action requested.
end
EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
Information only; no action requested. end
end
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Presentation Slides.
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACTS
Department Head: Suwana Kirkland
Author: Danielle McNamara