Drug Diversion/Demand Reduction While the Maricopa County Attorney's Office believes those who commit crimes while on drugs need to be held accountable for their actions, the need for drug treatment also is a priority. Treatment while in prison and under post-incarceration supervision can reduce recidivism by up to 50 percent.1 Prosecution and treatment coexist in Maricopa County within the drug diversion programs for adults and juveniles. Adult first- and second-time nonviolent drug offenders are diverted to the TASC (drug treatment) program. If those eligible complete the drug treatment program, no criminal charges are filed. If they fail to complete the program, or are a repeat offender, criminal charges will be filed and the case will proceed to court. Violent drug offenders are not eligible for the diversion program. For juvenile offenders, the County Attorney's Office has created the Juvenile Drug Diversion Program, in cooperation with the Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Department. This intensive program, which incorporates parental involvement, is designed to treat the juvenile's substance abuse problem, and therefore helping to reduce drug usage among our youth. The education portion of the Demand Reduction Program rests in an innovative program called Drug Free AZ. In its first year, Drug Free AZ distributed over 34,000 pieces of drug education and prevention literature, including publications to help parents talk to their children about drugs, tips for teens on the effects of specific drugs, fun games and activities for kids, and classroom presentations for teachers. Drug Free AZ also combines fun events, like talent and essay contests, with a drug free message. The County Attorney's Office produces a handbook for parents to inform them of the signs of drug abuse, and how to talk to their children about drugs. The Handy Helpful Handbook: A Parent's Guide to Drug Prevention is available in PDF format.
1 White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, 1998 National Drug Control Strategy |
