DEPARTMENT: Community Corrections
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
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Update On Multicultural Juvenile Drug Treatment Court
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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 ...
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