Hafa adai and Tirow!
Established in 2015 by PL 19-14, the Drug Court Division (“DCD”) is the CNMI’s first specialized, problem-solving court, incorporating drug dependency treatment with intensive court supervision for eligible offenders. This program was implemented according to the National Association of Drug Court Professionals' best practice standards and evidence-based strategies.
The development of the DCD is a response to the harmful effects of alcohol and methamphetamine abuse in our community. Combined efforts of the Judiciary, the Department of Public Safety, the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Public Defender, community leaders, members of the legislature, Community Guidance Center, the Hope Recovery Center, and the Executive Branch tackle these problems with Evidence-based treatment programs. The DCD aims to enhance efficiency and sustainability, as well as to increase public knowledge of treatment courts and strengthen internal and external relations with relevant stakeholders.
The staff manages day-to-day operations, while the Presiding Judge and assigned Judge ensure the successful implementation of the program and other treatment programs. Staff also serves as liaisons to other agencies and community programs, perform data collection and analysis, write grants, and assists in resource development, and public outreach.
In 2021, an average of 31 active participants have been engaged in a comprehensive, holistic approach, which combines intensive judicial interaction, aggressive community supervision, frequent drug testing, case management, and substance and alcohol treatment services throughout the year. DCD has a success rate of 87%, having 67 participants successfully completing the program and 10 terminations since the program’s inception.
Contact information:
Tel: 670-236-9731
Email: DCD@nmijudiciary.gov
On June 16, 2022, Drug Court Division held a team workshop to review documents and hear presentations from treatment providers. Present were: Drug Court Division, Mental Health Court Docket Program staff, Office of Adult Probation Officer Nadia Moses, Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds, Assistant Public Defender Emily Thomsen, CHCC-CGC Treatment and Recovery, Hope Recovery Center, and Pacific Drug Testing Services.