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Adult Drug Treatment Court (ADTC) is a voluntary judicially supervised treatment opportunity for chemical dependency as an alternative to incarceration designed to "break the cycle" of substance abuse (both drugs and alcohol) and related crime. ADTC offers non-traditional and individualized treatment for non-violent offenders charged with felony or misdemeanor offenses.

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Michael was born in Raleigh, NC, and graduated from high school there before eventually relocating to Durham.

While in Durham he used drugs, was eventually arrested, and came before a judge who ordered two years of probation and sent him to Drug Treatment Court.

“I spent a year and a half working through the Drug Treatment Court program. It was really rough in the beginning, but eventually got better,” Michael reported.

He also noted staff was dependable in his times of need. Drug Treatment Court also helped him get into some vocational training where he was able to get his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

 

The Mental Health Court Program offers individuals with a severe mental illness the opportunity to connect to community providers and other support services in lieu of formal court processing.
51 James moved to Durham with his mother when he was 4 years old. After high school his life took a turn for the worse and he began getting into trouble.

One night he had yet another encounter with law enforcement, but this time a caring attorney referred him to Mental Health Court. This diversion opportunity worked out well for James and he completed the 6-month program.

Although his mandatory participation is over, he continues to be involved with the program and enjoys the support of the Mental Health Court staff. “They even helped me with the paperwork to get into my new apartment,” he notes.

James is very proud of his home and enjoyed the process of acquiring just the right furniture for it. He looks forward to a future of helping others who are going through similarly difficult circumstances.