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Adult Treatment Courts

Chalk on the sidewalk that says New Beginnings
Marion County Circuit Court has three adult treatment courts that are managed by one court coordinator, Melissa Miller. If you have any questions about the programs, please contact her at 503.584.7741. Information about all three courts can be found below.

​General Information

The Mental Health Court represents an effort to increase effective cooperation between the mental health treatment system and the criminal justice system. Individuals considered for this program have a mental illness and are at risk of incarceration, due to committing a misdemeanor or low level felony crime as a function of their illness.

A broad-based group of stakeholders are actively involved in the planning and operation of the court. With the Judge as the central figure, the Mental Health Court functions as a team in where the prosecutor, defense attorney, treatment providers and probation officers work together to help mentally ill offenders manage their illness, become law-abiding citizens, and improve the quality of their lives.

The Marion County Mental Health Court was created to give individuals with mental health challenges an opportunity to address those challenges as well as any misdemeanor or felony charges/convictions in a structured environment. Defendants participate in court ordered treatment plans, and those who have successful participation may result in dismissed charges, early case closure, or reduced sentencing.

Participation in the program is voluntary. Defendants will be asked to waive their right to a trial on the merits of the case and enter into a diversion or plea agreement with monitored probation. It is a voluntary alternative to the traditional disposition of criminal charges.

Mental Health Court meets the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Thursday of the month in Courtroom 4C.

Elements of the Program

Collaborative communication between the Court, Probation Office, Treatment Providers, and Mental Health Court Team

Direct judicial supervision of structured community-based treatment, including regular status hearings before the Judge to monitor treatment progress and program compliance

Mandatory periodic drug testing

Increased participant accountability through a series of graduated sanctions and rewards

Mission Statement

The Marion County Veterans Treatment Court (MCVTC) works to identify veterans within the criminal justice system and honor their service by providing a collaborative, judicially supervised, mentor oriented, treatment regime. The goal is to enhance public safety by stabilizing, habilitating and reintegrating dependence-free veterans back into our community utilizing federal and community resources.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for MCVTC, a potential participant must:

  • For purposes of the MCVTC, the term, ‘Veteran’ means a person who meets one or more of the following requirements:
    • A person who served in the active military, naval, or air services;
    • A person who has received a service-connected disability rating from the US Department of Veterans' Affairs;
    • A person who currently serves or formerly served in the Reserves or National Guard and accomplished the following:
      • Completed basic military training under honorable conditions and accomplished the following:
      • Met basic technical training requirements for awarding their AFSC, MOS or Rate;
      • Completed at least 12 months of their obligated military service in either the Reserves or National Guard;
  • Be an adult with qualifying charges filed in Marion County Circuit Court;
  • Reside in Marion County or in a residence approved by the Marion County Parole and Probation Department;
  • Have a substance use and/or mental health concern that can be addressed through the court;
  • Have the mental capacity and ability to appreciate the consequences of the legal proceedings and fully understand the expectations and conditions of the court contract;
  • Clear any outstanding warrants; and
  • Have a willingness to participate.

Admission Requirements

Potential participants that meet the above eligibility requirements must complete the following steps before being considered for admission into MCVTC:

  • Complete the MCVTC Application Packet, including a copy of DD214 and/or NGB Form 22, 256 or 257 and turn in to the MCVTC Coordinator;
  • Attended a MCVTC Hearing, to be scheduled and verified by the MCVTC Coordinator, followed by an Orientation held on Thursdays from 10:00 - noon.
  • Complete a Substance Use and/or Mental Health Assessment (conducted by the VA or other approved treatment provider) and provide results to the MCVTC Coordinator.

Program Content

The MCVTC program is a four-phase intervention program for qualified veterans that lasts a minimum of twelve months. The program involves frequent court appearances, community supervision, programs for substance use and mental health concerns, and random testing for drug and alcohol use. The focus is on building supports for a balanced and healthy life.

MCVTC Team

The MCVTC team consists of individuals from multiple disciplines and professions who share a commitment to the Veterans Court model of treatment. The team includes the following members:

Marion County Circuit Court Judge

Marion County Circuit Court Coordinator

Marion County District Deputy District Attorney

Marion County Defense Attorney

Marion County Parole and Probation Officer

Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy

Veterans Administration Veteran Justice Outreach Officer

Accredited Veteran Service Officer

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency Member

Additional Information and Application

MCVTC meets at 10:00 am on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Thursday of each month at the Marion County Courthouse in Courtroom 1A. 

​Mission Statement

Marion County Adult Drug Court is designed to facilitate the treatment and rehabilitation of non-violent misdemeanor and medium to high risk felony drug offenders. The program combines Drug Court concepts with integrated human services to provide meaningful interventions to these individuals and their families. Program participants undergo an intense regimen of substance abuse and mental health treatment, case management, drug testing, and probation supervision while reporting to regularly scheduled status hearings before a judge.

There are two ways to enter the program:

  • Conditional Discharge
  • Condition of Probation

Drug Court Team

The Adult Drug Court Team consists of individuals from multiple disciplines and professions who share a commitment to the Drug Court model of treatment. The team includes a representative from each of the following:

  • Marion County Circuit Court Judge
  • Marion County Defense Attorney
  • Marion County Sheriff’s Office
  • Marion County District Attorney
  • Alcohol and Drug Treatment Provider: Bridgeway Recovery Services
  • Marion County Mental Health
  • Marion County Parole and Probation
  • Department of Human Services - Child Welfare
  • Department of Human Services - Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Oxford Housing
  • Community Members
  • Adult Drug Court Coordinator
  • Salem Housing Authority

Program Content

Marion County Adult Drug Court is a three-phase intervention program for adults involved in non-violent crimes related to drug or alcohol addiction. Treatment intervention is structured around the authority and personal involvement of the Adult Drug Court Judge.

The program involves frequent court appearances, random drug testing, community supervision, and alcohol and drug counseling both in individual and group sessions. Participation lasts for a minimum of 12 months. The average participation is 15 months. Participants work at their own pace. While in the program, you must abide by the general conditions of probation as set out in ORS 137.540.

The program rewards you for sober, productive behavior and imposes sanctions for violations of program rules.

Drug Court meets at 10 a.m. each Friday in Courtroom 2B at the Marion County Courthouse.

Graduation

Drug Court graduation requirements include:

  • 180 clean and sober days.
  • Successful completion of substance abuse treatment
  • Completion of GED (if applicable)
  • Parenting class (if applicable)
  • Minimum of 12 months in the program
  • All court fines and fees paid
  • Full-time employment or involvement in an educational or vocational training program.

Each participant who successfully graduates participates in a graduation ceremony led by the Adult Drug Court judge and accompanied by friends and family. Graduating participants have a chance to tell their stories and talk about the impact the program has had on their lives.