The Clay County Juvenile Drug Court is a collaborative effort between the Clay
County Board of Supervisors, the third Judicial District of the State of Iowa,
the Department of Corrections, Juvenile Court Services, the Northwest Iowa
Alcoholism and Drug Treatment Unit (NWIADTU), the Clay County Sheriff’s office
and the Spencer Police Department.
Its mission is to reduce recidivism in the juvenile and criminal justice systems
by positively impacting the lives of juvenile offenders who have substance abuse
problems.
As
an evidence-based practice, this Juvenile Drug court is designed to select and
train local community members to serve as panelists to provide corrective
options to eligible offenders who are monitored by the juvenile court.
Offenders
are non-violent substance abusers/addicts who are on probation due to criminal
activity. These offenders meet with members of the drug court panel one time a
month for up to 12-16 months to review the terms of the offender’s probation and
treatment and emphasize ways to recognize strengths to promote an individual’s
recovery.
Panelists
are selected because they are positive, open-minded, “can do” people: problem
solvers who are respectful and willing to assist others in working through the
effects that substance abuse has had on their lives.
Panelists
apply through the Community Services office and other designated community
contacts including Seasons Center, NWIADTU, etc. Applications are forwarded
to the Juvenile court officer who conducts a background check and subsequent
training sessions to determine a panelist’s interest and commitment to this
service and its goals.
Panelists
spend up to 3 hours per month with time spent reviewing status and court time
with the offenders. |
