Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Courts

Serving the Citizens of Brevard and Seminole Counties

Juvenile Drug Court

The mission of the Problem-Solving Courts, including Juvenile Drug Court, is to unite the judiciary, criminal justice entities, substance abuse treatment providers, and the community into a single program that reduces substance abuse by nonviolent offenders, restores them to law abiding productivity while lessening the fiscal impact on society.

In partnership with the community, the Drug Court Program is a cost-effective, holistic approach to reducing previous criminal behavior by offering qualified substance abuse offenders the tools necessary to lead a productive drug-free, and crime-free life.

Brevard County's
Problem-Solving Courts Manager:
Jean Bandish
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, Florida 32940
Office: (321) 617-7375

Director of Seminole County's
Juvenile Drug Prevention and Support Services
Email: jhixon@impowerfl.org
Phone: (407) 215-0095 ext. 218

Brevard County Juvenile Drug Court

PROGRAM HISTORY

HISTORY

 

Brevard County implemented the Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program in 2004. The drug court team includes a dedicated judge, a program coordinator, treatment counselors, probations officers, case managers, assistant state attorneys, assistant public defenders, and a representative from Brevard Public Schools, all working toward the same goals for the participant: maintain abstinence from drugs and alcohol, strengthen relationships, improve education, and reduce recidivism.

 

MISSION STATEMENT

 

The mission of the Brevard County Juvenile Drug Treatment Court (JDTC) is to provide effective intervention, treatment, and guidance to youths placed into the criminal justice system by activity related to drugs and/or alcohol, thereby making the community safer and setting the youths on a path to success to lead healthy, productive lives, and to become assets to the communities they live in.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

WHAT IS JUVENILE DRUG TREATMENT COURT?

Brevard County Juvenile Drug Treatment Court is a diversion program designed to help participants learn how to lead a drug free lifestyle, build healthy relationships, and become productive members of their community. Potential participants are screened and assessed by the drug court team. If the youth is deemed appropriate, they will begin in phase one and receive an individualized case management plan.


The program will include substance abuse treatment, drug screening, school/ education assessment, and supervision. Each participant’s progress is monitored by the drug court judge and the drug court team on a weekly basis at drug court hearings. A system of incentives and sanctions has been established to help motivate positive behavior and discourage non-compliance.


Family support and involvement is essential to the progress of the youth as they work toward maintaining sobriety and successfully completing the requirements of the drug court program. The drug court team will be there to help every step of the way.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

  1. Youth ages 17 and under
  2. No history of violent felony charges
  3. Drug related charges or crimes committed due to substance use.
  4. On probation or pre-trial diversion OR in violation of either program due to drug/alcohol use or associated behaviors
  5. Must be approved by the drug court team

JUVENILE DRUG COURT PHASES

There are 4 phases of treatment, designed to be less intensive as the participant progresses:


Phase 1: Orientation and Assessment
Phase 2: Intensive Treatment and Education
Phase 3: Rehabilitation and Relapse Prevention
Phase 4: Maintenance and After Care Planning

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information, please contact:

 

Jean Bandish – Problem-Solving Courts Manager
The Moore Justice Center
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, 2nd Floor.
Viera, Florida 32940
(321) 617-7375 
Email: Jean.Bandish@flcourts18.org

BREVARD JUVENILE DRUG COURT HANDBOOK

Download the Brevard Juvenile Drug Court Handbook

Seminole County Juvenile Drug Court

PROGRAM HISTORY

IMPOWER partners with the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Courts to deliver the Drug Court Program services in Seminole County to eligible adults and juveniles. The mission of the Seminole County Drug Court, which operates as a diversion program, is to unite judiciary, criminal justice entities, substance abuse treatment providers and the community into a single program that reduces substance abuse by nonviolent offenders, restores them to law abiding productivity while lessening the fiscal impact on society.

NOTE: Referrals for the program must be made directly by the State Attorney’s Office.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Juvenile Drug Court offers an alternative to the normal judicial process for delinquency cases. The process is initiated through the juvenile judicial process by the State Attorney’s Office. 


IMPOWER, as the contracted treatment provider, then intervenes in cases and offers services to help the youth transition into a healthy lifestyle and greatly reduce the chance of a youth re-entering the system.


The Juvenile Drug Court Program is available at no cost to the individual or family.


A youth’s vision of a better life is supported through the Juvenile Drug Court Program through the following benefits:

  • Specialized intensive substance abuse treatment
  • Acquisition of the tools required for positive lifestyle changes and the development of improved coping skills.
  • Strengthen family relationships.
  • Enhance employment opportunities.
  • Improve educational focus and goal setting.
  • Potential to end juvenile probation upon successful completion of program.
  • Nolle Prosequi (be unwilling to pursue, do not prosecute)
  • Reduction in chance for recidivism.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE REGULAR ADULT DRUG COURT PROGRAM (for defendants with significant substance abuse issues):

  • The defendant must have a serious substance abuse problem requiring treatment. A substance abuse assessment by the program’s authorized evaluator is required.
  • Must be a Seminole County resident, have a drug-free stable place to reside, and reliable transportation.
  • Must be mentally capable of benefiting from the Adult Drug Court and possess the motivation to complete the program.
  • All cases must be approved by the State Attorney’s Office. Individuals charged with first time possession or purchase of a controlled substance are eligible to apply for acceptance into the program.
  • Individuals who are charged with, or who have a prior record of, sale or delivery of a controlled substance or possession with intent to sell or deliver a controlled substance are not eligible for Adult Drug Court.
  • Individuals who are charged with any other 2nd or 3rd degree felony may request the State Attorney review their case for consideration for the program. Factors which will be used to determine acceptance include the facts of the current case, victim consent, and prior record.
  • Violation of Probation or Community Control cases are eligible for acceptance.
  • Participants are required to pay the program fee of $1,000.00, any restitution applicable, any cost of investigation applicable, and $100.00 per case cost of prosecution.

Persons entering the program are required to enter a plea and their sentences are deferred until the completion of the program. Upon entering the program each individual is placed under the supervision of the Department of Corrections/State Probation, for a period of 12 to 18 months in order to monitor them while in the program.

All Adult Drug Court participants must complete substance abuse treatment that will be delivered in the following four drug court program phases. The length of program phases will vary depending on individual progress.


PROGRAM PHASES:


You must complete substance abuse treatment that will be delivered in the following four Drug Court Program phases. The length of program phases will vary depending on your individual progress. The below guidelines are the minimum requirements:

JUVENILE DRUG COURT PHASES

All Juvenile Drug Court participants must complete substance abuse treatment, delivered by IMPOWER, in the program phases outlined below. The length of program phases will vary depending on individual progress.


Phase 1:

  • Attend 3 hours of group sessions weekly
  • Individual counseling sessions weekly
  • Family session monthly
  • Random urinalysis testing weekly

Phase 2:

  • Attend two hours of group sessions weekly
  • Individual counseling session’s bi-weekly
  • Family session monthly
  • Random urinalysis testing weekly

Phase 3:

  • Attend group weekly
  • Individual counseling session’s monthly
  • Family session monthly
  • Random urinalysis testing weekly

Phase 4 (approximately 30 days):

  • Attend group bi-weekly
  • Individual counseling sessions as needed
  • Family session monthly
  • Random urinalysis testing weekly

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information and referral assistance please contact:


Jessica Hixon, Director of Prevention and Support Services
Email: jhixon@impowerfl.org
Phone: (407)-215-0095 ext 218

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