About Drug Court
Reno County Drug Court Mission Statement
The mission of Reno County Drug Court, our local substance use treatment court, is to be part of a continuum of services that assists eligible justice‑involved individuals in initiating and sustaining positive, long‑term changes in their substance use and overall lifestyle.
About
Reno County Drug Court, the county’s substance use treatment court, serves justice‑involved individuals with substance‑related felony convictions who are at high risk for continued justice involvement because of substance use disorders.
This collaboration serves as a holistic approach to address areas of need in each participant’s life. These services are delivered in an environment of accountability and responsibility. As a result, participants remain engaged in treatment longer and gain the skills they need to sustain their newfound role as productive members of the community.
Why the Treatment Court?
According to local statistics, about 80% of the jail population has an addiction issue.
People with repeated justice involvement commit the majority of crimes. The treatment court focuses on individuals with a history of repeated justice involvement and substance use disorders involving alcohol and other drugs.
Since 2011, 81% of Reno County Drug Court (the county’s substance use treatment court) graduates have not been rearrested. And of those who do not complete the program successfully, 51% have not been rearrested. The treatment court has an impact on whether or not the participant completes the program.
We know that imprisonment does not cure addiction. Of those imprisoned, approximately 95% will return to substance use after release.
Treatment courts are cost-effective. According to a WSU study, the Reno County Drug Court program costs approximately $4,808 per participant. Incarceration in Kansas costs an average of $24,506.
How the Treatment Court Works
Eligible individuals with substance use disorders may be referred to Reno County Drug Court (the treatment court) in lieu of traditional justice system case processing. Treatment courts keep individuals in services long enough for them to work, while supervising them closely. For a minimum term of one year, participants are:
- provided with intensive treatment and other services they require to establish and maintain recovery;
- held accountable by the treatment court judge for meeting their obligations to the court, society, themselves, and their families;
- regularly and randomly tested for substance use;
- required to appear in court frequently so that the judge may review their progress; and
- rewarded for doing well or sanctioned when they do not meet their obligations.
How does the Treatment Court help Reno County?
- Treat substance use disorders
- Treat mental health needs
- Deliver services for lifelong recovery
- Secure education, employment, and housing
- Produce tax‑paying, productive citizens
- Break the cycle of addiction in families
- Reduce re‑arrests and re‑incarcerations
- Reduce substance use and overdose
- Reduce emergency room admissions
- Reduce foster care placements