Chief Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley (D. Mass.) and Deputy Chief Probation Officer Joseph LaFratta (D. Mass.) discuss the structure, commitment required, and lessons learned from their court’s experience with a successful drug treatment court program. 

In this discussion, Judge Kelley and Mr. LaFratta respond to the following questions:

00:26 What is it that alternative court programs and drug programs offer to federal courts?

01:10 What are the key components or program elements that make a drug court successful?

03:26 How did the C.A.R.E. program start and how did you assemble a team?

05:19 How do individuals become a part of the C.A.R.E. program and what happens once they start?

07:30 How do we know the program is successful?

10:20 How do you know when the program is not a good fit for an individual?

12:16 What tips or tricks for dealing with those with opioid use disorder do you have that you like to share with others?

15:50 What are the lessons learned from the C.A.R.E. program and what would you tell other courts if they want to create the similar program?

18:04 What tips do you have for judges and officers in dealing with people with opioid use disorders?