IMPOWER partners with the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit to deliver the Drug Court Program services in Seminole County to eligible adults and juveniles. The mission of the Seminole County Drug Court, which operates as a diversion program, is to unite judiciary, criminal justice entities, substance abuse treatment providers and the community into a single program that reduces substance abuse by nonviolent offenders, restores them to law abiding productivity while lessening the fiscal impact on society.

Referrals for the program must be made directly by the State Attorney’s Office.

Juvenile Drug Court offers an alternative to the normal judicial process for delinquency cases. The process is initiated through the juvenile judicial process by the State Attorney’s Office. IMPOWER, as the contracted treatment provider, then intervenes in cases and offers services to help the youth transition into a healthy lifestyle and greatly reduce the chance of a youth re-entering the system.

The Juvenile Drug Court Program is available at no cost to the individual or family.

A youth’s vision of a better life is supported through the Juvenile Drug Court Program through the following benefits:

• Specialized intensive substance abuse treatment
• Acquisition of the tools required for positive lifestyle changes and the development of improved coping skills
• Strengthen family relationships.
• Enhance employment opportunities.
• Improve educational focus and goal setting.
• Potential to end juvenile probation upon successful completion of program.
• Nolle Prosequi (be unwilling to pursue, do not prosecute)
• Reduction in chance for recidivism.

All Juvenile Drug Court participants must complete substance abuse treatment, delivered by IMPOWER, in the program phases outlined below. The length of program phases will vary depending on individual progress.

• Phase 1:
  Individual, group and familiy therapy
  Law Awareness and Decisions classes
  Individualized treatment plan and 12 steps
  Random urinalysis testing
• Phase 2:
  Individual, group and family therapy
  Parent support group
  Mindfulness and 12 steps
  Random urinalysis testing weekly
• Phase 3:
  Individual, group and family therapy
  Parent support group
  Mindfulness and 12 steps
  Random urinalysis testing weekly
• Phase 4 (approximately 30 days):
  Individual, group and family therapy
  Completion of 12 steps
  Completion of individualized treatment plan
  Individual counseling sessions as needed
  Random urinalysis testing

For additional information and referral assistance please contact:

Jessica Hixon, Director of Prevention and Support Services
Email:    jhixon@impowerfl.org
Phone:  (407) 461-2020