The Newfoundland and Labrador Drug Treatment Court (DTC), piloted in St. John’s, is a federally funded program of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador in partnership with the Provincial Department of Justice and Public Safety, the Department of Health and Community Services, the Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission , Public Prosecution Service of Canada and Provincial Public Prosecutions. Founded on National and International Guiding Principles , DTCs are committed to public safety, community justice, and restoration and operate in accordance with the requirements of the Criminal Code of Canada , the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms , the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act , and the common law. By combining judicial supervision with intensive treatment, case management, frequent drug testing and intervention, DTCs provide a comprehensive and collaborative approach to addressing criminal behaviour motivated by drug addiction. This type of court is primarily for high risk/high need individuals, with a history of difficulty with prior supervision and treatment, who voluntarily agree to participate in DTC including treatment and drug testing. The DTC uses a holistic approach to provide participants with supports and services to facilitate change in their lives.
The DTC Team consists of the Judge, Crown(s), Defense, Addictions Specialist and Coordinator/Case Manager
Regular training of DTC staff and the DTC Team is required by National Drug Court Standards to ensure all involved are operating from a therapeutic/treatment court approach, to share perspectives and to collaborate on continued DTC development.
PLEASE NOTE: The DTC in St. John’s is a pilot project and has evaluation and review as a standard of practice. The DTC is designed and developed using National Drug Court Standards and Principles adjusted to local needs. All written practices are subject to review and revision upon implementation and operation of the DTC.