Drug Court

Director: Paulette Timpton

The mission of the Jefferson Parish Juvenile Drug Treatment Court is to reduce juvenile crime and drug use through therapeutic interventions and intensive judicial supervision of children and families thereby improving juvenile and family functioning and community safety.

The Juvenile Drug Treatment Court is designed to help juveniles receive treatment to end their substance abuse, to improve their family relationships and functioning, and to stop criminal activity through intensive treatment and court supervision. The incentives of the Drug Court are treatment, both individual and family; reduced probation since the juvenile's case will be dismissed at the successful completion of the program; and the juvenile will be eligible to return to school sooner.

Goals of Drug Court

1. All Drug Court clients will remain drug-free while in the program and will be encouraged to abstain from illegal drug use after graduation from the program
2. 75% of the participants will not progress further into the criminal justice system during their program participation
3. 75% of the participants will decrease their anti-social behavior
4. All clients will work toward a high school diploma, attend graduate equivalency classes, or other form of alternative education such as vocational/technical programs
5. All clients that are deemed appropriate because of age or circumstances will attain and maintain socially-sanctioned employment
6. 75% of the families of clients will improve their intra-family functioning

The Jefferson Parish Juvenile Drug Court Treatment Program consists of three levels, a graduation from the program is scheduled after all levels of the program have been completed The treatment segment of the program is based on individualized plans developed between the therapist, the client, and the family after a complete assessment of the client's and family's functioning. Upon successful completion of the level requirements, the Judge will promote a client to the next level. Any failure to comply with these requirements is addressed in treatment and sanctioned by the court. These recommendations are decided by the Juvenile Drug Court Team and are subject to the approval of the court.

Why should you participate in Drug Court?
The time commitment for the juvenile and their family is tremendous, but worthwhile because the program does assist juveniles in attaining continued sobriety, increases positive family involvement, and encourages education. Self-esteem improves when a juvenile learns to make choices that are positive and create success in his/her life. Successful completion of the program gives the extra bonus of release from legal charges that first brought the juvenile into treatment. 

Information
Should you know anyone interested in participating in the Drug Court Program, if you would like to make a referral, or just obtain more information, please contact Paulette Timpton, Drug Court Coordinator at (504) 367-3500 ext. 875 or by email at ptimpton@jpjc.org.