Maine Judicial Branch – 2020
The Maine Adult Drug Treatment Court Evaluation, the first in five years, provides much for Maine’s treatment court system to celebrate. Most notably, Maine can demonstrate significant reductions in post-treatment criminal recidivism, savings in costs, and most importantly, the rescue of lives. To speak to people who have completed treatment court or who are still in the process is an inspiration and a privilege. This final report emanates from a one-year study initiated on January 1, 2020, conducted by PCG. The evaluation is generally divided into three components: a process study which analyzes the courts’ operations adherence to best practice standards; an outcome study which compares what treatment court participants have achieved to similarly situated offenders in Maine who have not had access to the program; and a cost benefit analysis. It concludes with recommendations. (Author abstract)