The Best Practices Self-Assessment Tool

These questions include when and how the program was implemented, primary substances used, demographics of clients entering the program, and the makeup of the team.

The focus of this section is on specific inclusions and exclusions for entry, as well as the referral process, into the program. For example, offenses and charges accepted, including those targeted for admission, age restrictions, and whether clients are excluded for having mental health diagnoses, a history of violent charges, or gang involvement.

This area assesses how often the treatment court team meets, its composition, communication between team members, and the roles of each member.

This section measures the number of treatment providers involved with the court, their relationship with the court, the type of treatment services offered (e.g., residential, outpatient, detoxification), ancillary services offered (e.g., parenting classes, anger management, education), and the use of evidence-based treatment practices.

This area records the types of drug tests, how they are implemented, and the frequency with which they are performed.

Treatment court practices are further assessed with detailed questions on topics such as how the judge interacts with participants, use of incentives and sanctions and therapeutic adjustments, team training, and data collection and evaluation activities.