What is a drug treatment court?
A drug treatment court (DTC) is a unique substance abuse intervention model that operates within the criminal justice system. DTCs provide judicially-supervised treatment in the community for individuals who have a substance use problem that is related to their criminal activities. Examples of this include drug-related offences, such as drug possession; as well as property offences committed to supporting their drug use, such as theft or shoplifting. The purpose of a DTC is to assist participants in meeting their goal of complete abstinence from substances through structure and accountability measures while connecting them with additional housing, employment, and therapeutic resources.
What are the eligibility requirements of DTC?

1) The eligible accused must choose between the DTC program and traditional criminal justice processing that can result in various dispositions ranging from fines to incarceration.

2) Typically, formal admission into a DTC program requires the individual to plead guilty to their charges.

3) The charges must be eligible to enter the court. Ineligible charges include:

  • Commercial trafficking in drugs
  • Importing drugs
  • Residential break and enter
  • Offences involving children
  • Sexual offences
  • Violence
  • Domestic offences
  • Impaired driving offences

4) Participants must demonstrate readiness and willingness to abstain from problematic substance use.

How long does it take to complete Drug Treatment Court?
Participants enrolled in the DTC can expect to remain in the program for a minimum of 6 months up to 18 months. The average commitment is approximately one year.
Are the services confidential?
All court appearances are a matter of public record and therefore not confidential, though an effort is made to avoid discussing personal details in the courtroom. Certain aspects of support within the program are confidential. Your counsellor will discuss with you which areas of support are confidential and which areas are a matter of record. All matters are handled with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. Delicate and personal details that are discussed in the counselling session are not shared with the court or any other party. Counsellors only share information that is relevant to your case, such as treatment strategies being implemented, progress towards goals, or challenges that relate to your status in the program.
What kind of supports can I get if I enter into the DTC?
  • Access to multi-modal treatment programs that integrate evidence-based practices of substance abuse treatment within the justice system to meet the individualized needs of participants (e.g., alcohol, drugs and mental health issues).
  • Extensive ongoing judicial contact with each participant.
  • Weekly supportive addictions counselling
  • Case management supports to assist with meeting graduation criteria
  • Intensive supervision and drug testing to monitor and ensure abstinence from all problematic substances
  • Referrals to other resources, such as housing, employment, and residential treatment programs
How do I transfer my matter to this court?
You must apply to the Crown’s office and if you are accepted, you will be notified through private or duty counsel. You are welcome to attend our court any Friday at 1:00 pm if you need support but you are not in the program until approved and admitted.
Is there a waitlist?
Depending on when you apply to the program there could be a waitlist. We make every effort to connect with individuals on the waitlist. PAARC counselling services are available to those who wish to start treatment while waiting to enter the program.
Is the DTC a good fit for me?
The Drug Treatment Court requires that all participants have an overall goal of complete abstinence from substance use, as well as the ability and willingness to participate meaningfully in the mandatory counselling, case management, urine screening and weekly court attendance.