City of Page and Surrounding Areas Adult Drug Court

The City of Page requests $500,000.00 over four years in accordance with: Category 3: to launch a post-adjudication Adult Drug Court (ADC) that reduces recidivism by using evidence-based Key Components from the National Association of Drug Court Professional’s (NADCP). Sixty misdemeanor cases involving non-violent, high-risk, drug addicted individuals with co-occurring disorders that reside in high-poverty/high-minority, rural areas in and surrounding Page (Greenhaven plus seven Tribal areas, covering 614.4 square miles) will benefit from the program.

Devastating job losses, COVID-19, and high criminogenic risk factors contributed to an 18% increase in drug related deaths between 2019 and 2020 where 31% of 2020 fatalities involved Marijuana, Methamphetamines, or Cocaine.  Grassroots efforts were strengthened when  Page’s City Council: re-established the Substance Abuse Task Force who meets monthly to coordinate efforts; developed strategies that aligns with NADCP Key Components with measurable actions to be evaluated; and, created a Drug Court Handbook describing: quick eligibility screening, treatment assessments, privacy rights, Medical Assisted Treatment options, behavioral counseling services, court advocacy, incentives/sanctions, substance reducing activities, intensive supervision, drug testing and an 18-48 month 5-phased approach toward ADC graduation. Partnerships include Police, Court, Encompass Health Services, Kaibeto Outpatient Treatment, Arizona State University, and support from Arizona Health Department, Arizona Supreme Court, Navajo Nation, and residents living the experience.

Primary Activity 1:  Launch ADC to reduce addiction related misdemeanor convictions for 60 participants who complete an 18–48-month program (NADCP Keys 1, 3,8,9 + pages 7-12).

Key 1 (Keys 2-7 overlap): ADC integrates alcohol and other drug treatment services with justice system case processing  

Deliverable: Sign MOU with judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, treatment providers, evaluator, supervisor, and probation officer outlining roles/responsibilities, communication/documentation, and timelines by1st QRT.

Deliverable Implement ADC handbook outlining processes and procedures by 2nd QRT.

Key 3 (Key 4-5 overlap): Ensure eligible participants are identified early and promptly placed in ADC

Deliverable: By 1st QRT hire probation officer to quickly identify, prioritize high-risk participants through screenings. Provide case management, complete annual training, and complete timely grant requirements.

Deliverable: Purchase drug testing equipment and supplies annually.

Key 8: Monitoring and evaluation measure the achievement of program goals and gauges effectiveness 

Deliverable: Purchase database system by 2nd QRT to ensure data analysis.

Deliverable: Meet with evaluators to ensure appropriate evaluation components by 1st QRT.

Key 9: Continuing interdisciplinary education, promote effective drug court planning, implementation an operation

Deliverable:  Three or more ADC members attend two or more trainings annually.