King County Drug Court

The goal of our King County Drug Court program is to break the cycle of criminality and substance use, helping participants develop the skills they need to live happy, healthy, and productive lives.

Since Drug Court’s inception in 1994, THS has worked directly with the courts to provide extensive services, including evidence-based opioid use treatment, intensive drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment, case management, life skills training, employment and educational services, pro-social activities, and community reintegration for court-involved individuals.

Program Features

A Unique Program

Drug Court depends on a non-adversarial courtroom atmosphere. The judge and a team — prosecutors, defense attorneys, probation officers, case managers, and THS treatment staff — work together toward breaking the cycle of drug abuse and criminal behavior. We partner with King County to provide these services in an equitable, collaborative way.

Eligible defendants (generally low-level and non-violent offenders) can choose to receive drug treatment instead of going to trial. If these defendants graduate from the program, all charges will be dismissed, and they will be free to go. Most participants have an enormous incentive to get clean because if they fail out of the program, they are sentenced on their original charges.

What It Looks Like

Drug Court program participants go through a rigorous program that can take up to two years to complete. They get help for their substance use and mental health issues and have strict limits placed on their behavior.

Random drug tests are performed at least twice per week. Participants meet with their counselors for individual or group counseling sessions a minimum of one to two times per week. They attend sober support meetings weekly, complete community service and appear before a judge at least monthly.

Drug Court participants must be employed or in school before they can graduate from the program.

Why Drug Court Works

The services we provide in partnership with King County Drug Court are successful because they address the multitude of issues that can contribute to relapse. These include addiction, mental illness, unemployment, behavioral problems and homelessness. We help participants develop the skills they need to be drug-free and thriving.

What Is King County Drug Court?

King County Drug Court is built on a framework that has helped thousands of people nationwide move past drug-related criminal charges while finding recovery from substance use disorder. Our program is built on a partnership with King County’s Adult Drug Diversion Court.

Watch our King County Drug Court video to learn more about the program.

THS and the King County Drug Court program has changed my life. In all aspects, in my mental and physical health, this program has helped me rebuild my life.

Kelly