Broward County's Drug Court is the third oldest drug court in the nation, created in 1991, and the Drug Court Treatment Division serves close to 250 clients daily. The Drug Court Treatment Division has two jail/prison diversion programs for persons with substance-related conditions. The Pretrial Intervention Program serves as an alternative to traditional incarceration for first-time, non-violent criminal offenders charged with purchasing or possessing a controlled substance and/or other substance abuse-related offenses. PTI participants may be eligible to have their felony charges dismissed by completing the program. In addition, the State-funded Post-Adjudicatory Program diverts adjudicated felons with substance-related conditions from returning to prison. Both programs are a minimum of one year of treatment to break the cycle of drug use and criminal justice involvement by using various individualized treatment services to restore the participant as a productive member of society. 

The Outpatient Component of the Pretrial Intervention Program is accredited by CARF International, Inc., an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote quality, value and optimal outcomes through a consultative accreditation process. This component was the first program to be accredited under CARF's Drug Court Behavioral Health Core Program Standards in 2003 and has continued to be awarded three-year accreditations, which represents the highest level of accreditation. 

The 17th Judicial Circuit Drug Court Judges and General Magistrate, through regular court hearings, continually monitor all participants' progress. Failure to comply with the requirements of the programs results in a variety of graduated interventions and sanctions. Compliance with treatment requirements results in incentives rewarding positive behaviors. Pretrial Intervention (PTI) participants sign a Deferred Prosecution Agreement that includes a speedy trial waiver and a limited confidentiality waiver so staff can report the participant's progress directly to the Court. The Florida Department of Corrections supervises clients. 

To participate in the Pretrial Component, participants must meet the following criteria:

• Adults ages 18 or older
• Current charge is a non-violent felony offense
• Has two or fewer non-violent felony convictions
• Participant is identified as having a substance use problem and is amenable to treatment
• Volunteer to participate in the program
• Sign a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) that includes a waiver of speedy trial and a limited waiver of confidentiality for the Program to report the offender's progress directly to the Court
• Report to the Department of Corrections for a minimum of twelve (12) months
• Agree to attend the BSO Drug Court Treatment Division
  

To participate in the Post-Adjudicatory Component, participants must meet the following criteria:

• Adults ages 18 or older
• Volunteer to be in the program
• Report to the Department of Corrections according to judicial requirements
• Agree to attend and participate in BSO's Divisionary Treatment Program
• Agree not to take any prescribed medications of abuse for regular use
• Offenders who were arrested and have sentencing scores between 22 and 60 points 
• Offenders who violated community control or probation due to a failed or suspected drug test and have sentencing scores between 22 and 60 points
• Participants who are otherwise qualified under section 397.334(3), which provides that entry into any post adjudicatory treatment-based drug court program pursuant to sections 948.01, 948.06 or 948.20
• Must be based upon the sentencing court's assessment of the defendant's criminal history, substance use screening outcome, amenability to service, total sentencing points, recommendation of the State Attorney and the victim, if any, and the defendant's agreement to enter the program 

Participants presenting with co-occurring mental health and/or medical conditions will be afforded the same opportunities for treatment when meeting the above-referenced legal criteria. All participants will be screened and, if necessary, referred to other levels of care when clinically necessary. 

BSO's Drug Court Treatment Division utilizes best-practice standards to treat its participants. Participants are screened to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. Participants receive services based on their risk and needs, including substance use and criminal thinking. The program is divided into four quadrants and utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach to substance abuse treatment, encompassing traditional and innovative interventions.  

The programs offer:

• Diagnostic and Assessment Services
• Education Groups
• Group & Individual therapy
• Fellowship Meetings
• Clinical Interventions, Incentives, and Sanctions
• Drug and Alcohol testing Educational/vocational referrals
• Relapse Prevention
• Case Management
• Psychiatric services
• Family orientation and education
• Transitional Housing Bus passes
• HIV/AIDS and Other STDs Education Class
• Court Liaison 
  

The Drug Court Treatment Division is licensed to provide intervention and outpatient services through the State of Florida Department of Children and Families. Participants are referred to community sober support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous and Smart Recovery to establish supportive recovery bonds before treatment discharge. 

Participants may be referred to other treatment components such as detoxification, non-residential day/night treatment, intensive residential treatment, or jail-based educational programs during the program. Alternative programs may be used with the approval of the Drug Court Judge. 

Participants are charged a fee for services based on a sliding scale that measures income and the number of dependents. All participants are expected to pay for treatment every week. 

For more information, please contact the Drug Court Treatment Program at (954) 497-3610.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the days and hours for treatment?

• Treatment hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM and Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. 

What are the days and hours for drug testing?

• Drug testing hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 7:45 PM. 

What number do I call to see if my color was called to submit a drug test?

• Participants must call 1 (866) 460-0525 daily Monday through Friday to determine if they must submit to drug testing. 

How often am I required to submit a drug test?

• BSO Drug Court utilizes a random drug testing system. All participants must submit to at least two (2) drug tests weekly but may be required to submit daily. 

Does BSO Drug Court offer any transportation assistance?

• BSO Drug Court offers one-week bus passes for those who require transportation to treatment. 

How long must I participate in treatment?

• Individuals must participate in treatment for a minimum of one (1) year. 

How often must I attend treatment?

• The frequency of treatment services is based on the participant's individual needs and could vary from month to month depending on what services are needed and offered.

How much does it cost for treatment at BSO Drug Court?

• The cost of treatment is based on a sliding scale based on family size, income and the number of dependents. Participants will be required to submit documentation of income and dependents to determine their appropriate fee level. 

Can I submit a drug test at BSO Drug Court if I am not a participant?

• No, you must be a participant in BSO Drug Court to submit a drug test at our facility. 
  

I am homeless. Can BSO Drug Court assist me with a place to stay?

• Yes, BSO Drug Court offers transitional housing for those participating in their program.

Accessibility for Hearing Impaired 

IF YOU ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING, YOU ARE ENTITLED TO INTERPRETER SERVICES AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE INFORM STAFF OF THE TYPE OF AUXILIARY AID OR SERVICE YOU NEED. IN ADDITION, SERVICES MAY BE ACCESSED THROUGH FLORIDA RELAY by dialing 7-1-1 or calling toll free: 1-800-955-8770 (Voice), 1-800-955-8771 (TTY), 1-877-955-8773 (Spanish), 1-877-955-8707 (French Creole). 

SI USTED ES SORDO O NO OYE BIEN USTED TIENE DERECHOS A SERVICIOS DE INTREPRETE GRATIS. POR FAVOR DE INFORMAR AL PERSONAL SI NECESITA ESTE SERVICIO. ADEMAS, PUEDE USAR LOS SERVICIOS DE RELEVO LLAMANDO AL 7-1-1 o los siguientes números gratis: 1-800-955-8770 (Ingles), 1-800-955-8771 (TTY), 1-877-955-8773 (Español), 1-877-955-8707 (Creole Frances). 

SI OU PA PALE ANGLE, SI OU BEBE (SOUD) SI OU MAL POU TANDE, SI JE OU PA BON, OU KA JWEN MOUM POU EDE-W TRADWI EPI INTEPWETE POU OU GRATIS. TANPRI MANDE POU YO EDE-W. Ou Kapab joyn lot sèvis Ou Kap rele nimerwo 7-1-1 (nan tout eta- Laflorid la) Oubyen rele telefòn gratis sa yo: 1-800-955-8770 (Vwo), 1-800-955-8771 (TTY), 1-877-955-8773 (Spanol), 1-877-955-8707 (Francais oubyen Creole).  

Language Assistance Services 

You are entitled to receive services and information in appropriate languages other than English, to ensure effective communication and participation in all programs, services and activities administered by the Department of Children & Families and its contracted services providers. Please inform staff of your language needs, and interpreter services will be provided at no cost to you. 

Para asegurar la comunicación efectiva y participación en todo programa, servicio o actividad administrada por el Departamento de Niños y Familias y sus proveedores de servicios bajo contrato, Usted tiene el derecho de recibir servicios e información en su lengua. Tenemos a su disposición servicios de intérpretes gratuitos. Si esta interesado, por favor solicítele ayuda a la recepcionista. 

Ou emezi pou jwen sèvis ak enfòmasyon nan lang pwa nan pwogram, ak aktivite Depatman Timoun ak Fanmi et lot moun ki gin contra sèvis avek yo. Tanpri di nou ki lang ou pale. Ou ka jwen moum pou ede-w tradwi oubyen entèprete pou ou gratis.