Section TCT.06.06 — Healing to Wellness Court Program Elements

(a) The Healing to Wellness Court program is intended to promote recovery of Participants and the community from substance abuse and addiction. The program holds Participants accountable through the effective use of treatment programing, incentives, sanctions, and cultural connectiveness. The Handbook contains additional information on the program for Participants.

(b) The Healing to Wellness Court provides a Participant with consistent and continual monitoring of completion of the program requirements.

(c) Participants are required to remain in regular contact with the Healing to Wellness Court coordinator.

(d) Participants are required to engage in evidence-based treatment for substance abuse and addiction as part of the Healing to Wellness Court program. Treatment activities are conducted by appropriately licensed professionals. Participants must authorize the treatment professional to provide regular participatory reports to the Healing to Wellness Court confirming whether the Participant is actively engaging in treatment and meeting treatment goals required under the program.

(e) The Healing to Wellness Court shall ensure periodic and random testing through a certified laboratory for the presence of any controlled substances or alcohol in the Participant's blood, urine, or breath using the best available, accepted, and scientifically valid methods.

(f) The Healing to Wellness Court shall have appropriate periodic evaluations completed to assess the Participant's circumstances and progress in the program.

(g) Regular status hearings will be held before the Healing to Wellness Court to discuss a Participant's progress or lack of progress in the program.

(1) Status hearings are typically open to the public unless issues related to a minor child are discussed. If issues related to a minor child are discussed, then that portion of the hearing shall be a closed hearing.

(2) The Healing to Wellness Court may take such judicial actions as necessary to implement the Healing to Wellness Court program, which can include issuing orders, subpoenas, and fines.

(h) Healing to Wellness Court costs and fees, if any, as well as any payments will be tracked for each Participant. Statements will be provided to Participants as appropriate.

(i) The Healing to Wellness Court may order sanctions if a Participant violates mutually agreed upon program elements. Such sanctions can include, but are not limited to:

(1) Contempt of court order.

(2) The suspension of payment of any authorized per capita payments until the Participant completes the program.

(3) The suspension of hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges.

(j) The Healing to Wellness Court typically recommends sentencing leniency or dismissal of charges in the Authorizing Jurisdiction upon successful completion of the program as the key incentive for a positive outcome. Other incentives for compliance such as encouragement, public praise, small gifts like a gas card, or assistance may also be offered during the program.