Page 14 - Department Overview 2020

ADULT SERVICES DIVISION

SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT COURT

(SATC)

Since March 1996, the Santa Barbara County Probation Department, the Santa

Barbara County Superior Court, and the offices of the District Attorney and Public
Defender serve clients with substance abuse issues, and are referred to as
"Substance Abuse Treatment Courts" (SATC). The target population for Post Plea

SATC is high risk/high needs, misdemeanor or felony clients, and the goal is to
reduce recidivism and substance abuse among non-violent clients by using
evidence based practices including: early, continuous and judicially supervised
treatments; mandatory periodic drug testing; and graduated rewards and sanctions.
This program relies upon countywide networking and cooperation of county

agencies and community based organization (CBOs) for support and success.

Once charges are filed against an individual and if the client is both eligible and

chooses to participate, they enter a highly structured treatment program, lasting
between twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months. Upon successful completion of the
program, charges are dismissed. Conversely, prosecution is reinstated if the client
fails to attend the program or if urine testing repeatedly indicates the client is using
drugs or alcohol.

In 2017, a Pre-Plea Substance Abuse Treatment Court track was implemented to
serve a target population of low risk/high needs clients. This program also utilizes

evidence based practices and offers a less intensive drug court program that is
effective and cost beneficial to medium-low risk misdemeanors or first time felony
clients with a limited criminal history.

POST PLEA DUAL DIAGNOSIS COURT (DDX)

The post-plea Dual Diagnosis (DDX) Court was developed to address the specific
needs of a population of high risk misdemeanor and felony clients experiencing co-
occuring disorders of mental illness and substance abuse. The DDX program follows
the Substance Abuse Treatment Court (SATC) model enhanced by supportive

collaboration from the Probation Department, Behavioral Wellness, and local
Community Based Organizations (CBOs). This specialty Court allows for a higher
level of service, which includes more intensive interaction with clients in an effort
to deter future criminal behavior and incarceration.

Santa Barbara County Probation Department Overview 2020 12