Drug Treatment Court

The Medicine Hat Drug Treatment Court (MHDTC) is a specialized court designed to reduce substance abuse, crime, and recidivism through a collaborative process of intensive judiciary supervision and community rehabilitation. The MHDTC program provides the focus of leadership to bring together criminal justice, treatment, and community partners by supporting non-violent offenders facing a substantial jail sentence to become contributing members of society, thus creating safer communities. This process involves integrating addictions treatment services with justice system case processing that holds the program participants accountable through regular court appearances, random and regular drug screening, progressive sanctions and rewards that reinforce participation and engagement, treatment attendance, and ongoing therapeutic supports. Each program participant has a unique case plan that is tailored by the MHDTC to ensure they have the best opportunity to succeed.

The MHDTC is contained within the criminal justice system and operates pursuant to the requirements of the Criminal Code, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the common law. The program operates within the same legal framework that governs all adult criminal court proceedings in the Provincial Court of Alberta; participation is based upon a guilty plea with a delayed sentencing process (confirmed at law by virtue of s. 720 (2) of the Criminal Code). Entry into the program is dependent on the consent of the Crown, court, and the accused.

Contact: Program Manager
Phone No. 403-527-1588