Benefits of Drug Courts

The background story: In 2011, SDC released research on the relationship between alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) and poverty. One of the recommendations this research makes is to expand the use of drug courts in Milwaukee County. Studies suggest that drug courts provide a more efficient way for addressing substance abuse and related crimes—compared to traditional criminal justice approaches. SDC drafted a letter of support, signed by a number of community groups, and presented testimony to Milwaukee County’s Committee on Health and Human Needs in September. Since that time, we have provided follow-up research to Milwaukee County supervisors on the subject of drug courts.

The reason for this post: While watching a television show on hulu.com last night, I was pleasantly surprised that one of the commercials was a public service announcement talking about the benefits of drug courts. The spot was part of the “All Rise” campaign of NADCP. Here’s the video I saw, but NADCP has a number more on their website…along with a wealth of other information on the programmatic and financial benefits of drug courts!

Dave Celata

Intergovernmental Affairs & Research Manager

UPDATE: Some readers have inquired about where one can receive services with AODA challenges.  The best place to go would be Milwaukee County. Their SAIL program works to provide access to services (including detox) to the general public. Here’s a webpage: http://county.milwaukee.gov/SAILAODA8063.htm

SAIL staff can be contact here:

SAIL / AODA

9201 Watertown Plank Road

Wauwatosa, WI 53226

(414) 257-8095

(414) 454-4242 (fax)

Additionally, below is information on central intake units in Milwaukee County:

IMPACT

611 W. National Ave.

Milwaukee, WI 53204

Phone: (414) 649-4380

M&S Clinical Services

2821 North 4^th St.

Milwaukee, WI 53212

Phone (414) 263-6000

Wisconsin Community Services

(Serves corrections populations only)

Phone (414) 343-3583