About
The Women’s Therapeutic Court (WTC) is the General Division’s most recent specialty court, having commenced in 2014. Since that time, more than 430 women have participated in the program. Like the Veterans Treatment Court, WTC participants are required to meet with their probation officers anywhere from one to five times a week, depending on their particular situation. However, they are all required to appear in court on a weekly basis. These women have severe alcohol and/or substance addictions as well as a history of trauma throughout their lives. Some are also dealing with moderate to severe mental health issues. If a particular participant continues to use drugs and/or alcohol while in a program, she may be admitted to a local residential treatment program for up to 90 days. The average length of time that a woman will participate in the WTC is one year.
Goal:
The Women’s Therapeutic Court is designed to reduce crime by changing offender’s drug using behavior. It is a highly structured program, lasting 6 months to 5 years, and encourages sobriety through weekly Court appearances, intensive supervision by the Criminal Justice Services Department, urine testing and involvement in treatment.
Criteria for Participation:
Participants are female offenders with substance abuse issues, with an ORAS score of moderate or high.
Objective:
Upon completing the Women’s Therapeutic Court, participants will be drug and alcohol free for six (6) consecutive months, be employed or enrolled in school, have fulfilled their financial obligation and completed special conditions ordered by the Court.
