Clients are referred to Specialty Courts by legal defenders or private attorneys. All clients who are screened for Specialty Courts are given the LSCMI assessment which identifies their risk level and need areas. In addition the client is screened by ARS using the ASAM to make a clinical determination. The District Attorney's Office then uses the assessment and legal information to determine eligibility. If accepted into one of the Specialty Courts clients complete an intake and are assigned a CJS Case Manager as well as a Treatment Specialist who work with clients to successfully complete the program. Specialty Courts are made up of phases designed using national best practices to help clients successfully complete and graduate from the program.
Throughout participation in one of the Specialty Courts, the client will attend appointments with their assigned case manager as well as their assigned treatment specialist. Clients will also attend court hearings with their assigned judge to follow up on progress. In addition to appointments and other court-ordered requirements, such as treatment, participants may also be required to attend and complete classes.