NORTH BATTLEFORD — A new Drug Treatment Court is now underway at North Battleford Provincial Court.
The court had its first sitting in June.
An announcement was held to introduce the court at a press conference at North Battleford Provincial Court on Wednesday.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod is thrilled about the program coming to the Battlefords.
“These therapeutic courts have a real positive outcome to the lives of the individuals going through them and their families and their communities as well,” he said. “I'm very excited to be here in the Battlefords to launch the Drug Treatment Court.”
This is an expansion of the existing Drug Treatment Courts in Regina and Moose Jaw, and will serve the Battlefords and west-central Saskatchewan.
The federal government reimburses the province up to $850,000 annually for costs associated with the operation of the Drug Treatment Courts, according to the press release.
McLeod said the court is an important addition to justice services in the Battlefords.
“[It] will support individuals in overcoming addictions and rebuilding their lives,” he said.
“No one chooses a life of drug addiction, but when people get caught up in that cycle, they can fall into a pattern of escalating crimes in order to feed their addiction,” McLeod added. “When people are charged with these crimes, this program provides the option of getting clean, as opposed to serving time in custody. The court provides a wide variety of services through participating agencies, including justice, health, addictions, mental health and family services.”
According to the news release, offenders must plead guilty to their criminal charges. Participants will be required to complete 12 to 18 months of individualized programming, with services covering addiction, cultural and spiritual guidance, anger management, education, parenting, and employment.
“This program allows participants to overcome obstacles, find sustained sobriety and reunite with loved ones,” the release stated.
Judge Noah Evanchuk, chair of the Therapeutic Courts Oversight Committee, believes the Drug Treatment Court can be a successful tool in helping offenders, using a therapeutic approach.
“Each therapeutic court endeavours to address the root causes of involvement in the criminal justice system,” he said. “Using a restorative justice lens, therapeutic courts aim to reduce recidivism, increase health and wellness, reunify families, reduce the involvement of ministry resources, and achieve recovery from substance use disorders.”
