The Missoula County Youth Drug Court is an award-winning drug and alcohol abuse court-sanctioned treatment program. Drug Court participants are volunteer youth proffered from the ranks of juvenile probation. Through successful enrollment and completion of the program, clients are afforded an opportunity to have all prior juvenile charges expunged.

Clients are directed to attend weekly court hearings where their performance through the week is addressed. Participants attend a variety of treatment oriented meetings geared towards eradicating drug use and replacing the desire with positive-based behavior.

In addition to chemical dependency treatment and counseling, participants receive acupuncture treatment two to three times per week in the first phase of the program and later as a response to relapse. The program also includes a writing workshop, recreational training, and community service. The Parks and Recreation Program as well as the Community Service Program are under contract with Youth Drug Court. Department. Treatment includes animal-assisted therapy , a marijuana education group, and family-based services. Parents are required to complete a series of parenting classes specifically designed for Youth Drug Court.

A full-time juvenile probation officer is assigned to Drug Court. Participants are required to have current chemical dependency and psychological evaluations prior to placement. Most often, initial treatment is provided by individual and family counselors. YDC participants may also be treated through the Missoula Indian Center and other private providers. Although the program emphasizes community-based treatment, participants who need more intense treatment may go to in-patient facilities, the Inner Roads wilderness program (150 days) or various other treatment facilities. Some participants remain in the community but reside temporarily in a group home setting including Missoula Youth Homes,  Healing Lodge in Spokane Washington and the A.W.A.R.E Group Homes. Costs for many of these placements are covered through the Montana State Department of Corrections Juvenile Placement funds. 

Youth Drug Court Team Members

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