The Anoka County Adult Drug Court was established in 2016 to address the substance abuse and associated lifestyle of offenders by providing a structured program designed to hold participants accountable, help participants gain control over their addiction or abuse and ensure they develop responsible living skills. The Anoka County Adult Drug Court is a collaborative effort between multidisciplinary teams. The Drug Court team members include the judge, court administration staff, substance abuse treatment providers, prosecuting attorney, defense attorneys, probation agents, drug court coordinator, mental health professional, and law enforcement agents.
The Drug Court was developed to help long time drug users break free from the cycle of addiction and empower them to live a healthy lifestyle, make informed choices, and maintain sobriety. The Court takes a holistic, comprehensive approach in that it requires participants’ to change the people they associate with, the places they hang out at, and the things that they do during their free time. The goal of this program is that by the time a participant graduates from drug court they will be sober, have a driver’s license and stable housing, they will be employed, and will have a support network to help accomplish their life plans.
This is a unique partnership between the criminal justice system and community providers. Our focus is not on punishment, but accountability and rehabilitation. It is unlike other court systems in that legal and non-legal entities work together towards a common goal of a crime-free life and a positive entry back into the community.