Important Collaborations
All of the juvenile and family drug courts are making concerted efforts to actively involve the schools, faith communities, business community, recreation services, and a diversity of additional resources, including public health agencies, community anti-drug coalitions, local universities, and retired citizens. Many judges are personally seeking the support and involvement of these local organizations.
Public Health
Critical to the juvenile and family drug court process is addressing the public health needs of the participating children, including assessment, treatment, prevention, and other components. Among the most frequent public health problems being addressed are HIV infection, sexually transmitted diseases, and the presence of mental disorders, such as attention deficit disorders.
Local Bar
Significant efforts are being made to educate the local bar regarding juvenile court processes, school procedures, and the needs of children to be addressed, as envisioned by the juvenile and family drug courts. Some jurisdictions are seeking to attract members of the young lawyers divisions of local bar associations to participate in the local juvenile or family drug court process, which can also provide these attorneys with courtroom experience.
Law Enforcement
The relationship between the juvenile and family drug courts and local law enforcement agencies is vital, and their involvement in the planning and implementation of these programs has been considered critical. In some jurisdictions, the police officer assigned to the juvenile drug court knows the participants and can also explain the drug court process to other officers. The liaison officers also "keep an eye on" the participants, particularly if they are seen in a drug area. If the participant fails to appear at treatment or in court, police officers familiar with the program and the participant can also execute an immediate bench warrant. Community policing can also be a very important component of juvenile drug court programs. In at least one jurisdiction, a local sheriff's department has provided direct support for the juvenile drug court initiative by contributing funds for treatment.