In Montana a treatment court is a court docket within a district court or court of limited jurisdiction (i.e., city, municipal or justice’s court). The court specializes in overseeing cases (adult criminal, DUI offenses, juvenile, veteran, mental health or civil child abuse and neglect cases) involving persons who are alcohol or other drug dependent and/or involve mental illness. The intent of treatment court is to change the behavior of alcohol/drug dependent offenders.
Treatment courts reduce recidivism and substance abuse among participants and successfully rehabilitate them through:
- Treatment for alcohol and drug abuse
- Mandatory and frequent drug testing
- Use of appropriate sanctions and incentives
- Continuous judicial oversight
Treatment / DUI Courts in Montana
The Office of Court Administrator oversees Montana general fund appropriations for treatment courts throughout Montana and has staffed dedicated in treatment court oversight. OCA offers a variety of resources including a website dedicated to treatment courts and peer review assistance information.