Adult Drug Treatment Court Oxford County Maine

Proposal Abstract 

Title: Maine Adult Drug Treatment Court Oxford County

Primary Activities and Service Area:  Funding will be used to launch a new adult drug treatment court in South Paris, serving Region Three’s western Maine counties of Oxford and Franklin. This proposal follows the recommendation for treatment court expansion from a recent independent evaluation of Maine’s adult treatment courts (ADC)[1] as well as Maine’s Statewide Opioid Response Strategic Plan.[2] Both counties qualify for OJP priority treatment as each has an 83% rural population.  Oxford has two opportunity zone designations.

Maine is ready to implement this ADC; a Region Three judge will preside, an assistant district attorney, a law enforcement officer, and defense counsel are committed and will participate.  Maine Pretrial Services will provide case management. One of the region’s licensed treatment providers will be selected through a state-mandated RFP process and provide  evidence-based opioid, stimulant and other substance abuse treatment and interventions. 

Products: A new ADC will be established within Maine’s ADC existing structure.  High risk/high need participants will receive evidence-based treatments, regular supervision, random drug testing, case management and a full complement of health, education, employment, housing, peer and social supports.  The minimum participation time is 12 months, the average is 18 months and there is no stated maximum length so long as the client is making progress. All FDA approved MAT will be allowed and are available in the region.  Participants will be required to pay all court ordered restitution, criminal fees, fines and child support. 

Deliverables: The court will follow the 10 Key Components and NADCP Best Practice Standards, Volumes 1 and 2. See pages 5-7, 8-11, 13, 17-18.  It will serve 25 participants at any given time throughout the four-year grant period. A 60% graduation rate is the goal. 

Who will Benefit: The ADC will benefit persons 18 and older with serious criminal charges or probation violations who have a diagnosed moderate-to-severe substance use disorder and are at high risk of future criminal conduct. Typically, 70% have felony charges. This will be a post-plea court, with application for admission being made at any stage of the criminal proceedings.  

Category and Type of Funds Requested: This application is submitted under BJA’s Category 3: Adult Drug Court. Federal SAMHSA funds will be used for match.  Previously the State of Maine was awarded Grant #s 2010-DC-BX-0057 and BJA-2011-3022.  They are closed.  

Total Federal Request: $470,472

1 https://www.courts.maine.gov/about/reports/adtc-evaluation-report-2020…

[2] https://knowyouroptions.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Strategic-Action-…