NADCP News: "Drug Courts Key To National Drug Control Strategy"

Drug Courts Key To National Drug Control Strategy

The [Obama] Administration has released its 2013 National Drug Control Strategy and once again Drug Courts are cited as a cornerstone of evidence-based reform. White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Director Gil Kerlikowske officially released the strategy today during a speech in Baltimore, Maryland. Director Kerlikowske discussed the importance of promoting policy that is rooted in science, particularly as the national debate about drug policy continues to be split between extremes: law enforcement centric or legalization. “The truth is, neither of these extreme approaches is guided by what experience, compassion, or—most important—science demonstrate about the true nature of substance use disorders in America,” he said. 

The 2013 National Drug Control Strategy emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and a ‘smart on crime’ approach that promotes diversion and treatment for addicted offenders. Drug Courts remain central to this approach and were specifically highlighted as key to breaking the cycle of drug use, crime, arrest, and incarceration by diverting non-violent offenders into treatment instead of prison. The strategy also underscores the important role of Veterans Treatment Courts in connecting veterans to the benefits and treatment they have earned. Other highlights include expanding access to treatment, including implementation of the Affordable Care Act, improving access to reentry services for those incarcerated and expanding care for veterans, college and university students, and Native Americans. 

ONDCP has developed a new webpage detailing key aspects of the Administration’s drug control strategy. To anyone familiar with Drug Court, the cover photo will look very familiar. Click here to visit the page and learn more.