Philadelphia Treatment Court (PTC) offers first-time drug felony offenders an opportunity to avoid incarceration. First, offenders receive an evaluation for substance use treatment. If treatment is appropriate, they may plead nolo contendere, or “no contest,” to their crime and enter a treatment program. The treatment program operates under close judicial supervision, with frequent court appearances.
A plea of nolo contendere, or no contest, means the defendant accepts the punishment for the crime without admitting or denying guilt. In other words, you don’t contest, or challenge, the charges. You don’t admit to or deny committing the crime, but you let the court sentence you for committing the crime.
Evaluation
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Conduct the initial evaluation that determines two things: whether the arrest was connected to behavioral condition(s), and the need for substance use treatment.
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Based on the evaluation results, PHMC prepares a personalized treatment plan.
Case management
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Support participants through the program requirements. Typically, this looks like court appearances, participation in individual or group counseling, and various testing.
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Coordinate supportive services including recovery housing, employment training, job placement, counseling, and medical treatment.
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Update the court on the participant’s progress.
Once a participant completes the program, and they remain arrest-free for one year, they’re qualified to have their criminal record expunged. Failure to complete the treatment and related requirements may result in incarceration.
Referrals & Eligibility
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The District Attorney’s Office refers participants to PTC.
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PTC serves individuals who are typically charged with a non-violent offense and have limited criminal histories. Both felony and misdemeanor offenses are accepted.
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Must be a resident of Philadelphia.
PHMC receives funding from the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Addiction Services.
Philadelphia Treatment Court Enhancement Project
The Philadelphia Treatment Court Enhancement Project (PTCEP) is a continuation of the partnership between PHMC and Philadelphia Treatment Court (PTC) [hyperlink this to PTC page]. Funding from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) allows for the “enhancement” component. This funding increases both quantity and quality in support of the project’s case managers and peer recovery specialists.
Case managers and peer specialists are essential to the PTC program. They provide evidence-based support to increase participants’ success. Visit our PTC page [hyperlink] to learn about the services case managers provide.
Service Enhancements
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Reduced caseload size for case managers and peer specialists
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Improved experience for case managers, through a combination of supports:
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Enhanced salary and direct supervision specific to PTCEP work
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Heightened harm reduction training, plus additional educational and experiential requirements
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The goal of this project is an increase in PTC graduation rates and a decrease in recidivism rates for the participants served by the project.
PHMC’s Research and Evaluation Group will conduct an evaluation of the project.