Why Drug Courts Work

Monday, March 31, 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Pathstone Latitude, 115 Rogers Street, Mankato

Description: What does "Work" mean? Does it mean it keeps people out of prison, it provides effective treatment for substance abuse disorders, it reduces crime, it connects addicted law-violating addicts with recovery communities, and/or it reduces the cost of justice system intervention? In regards to Drug Courts, the definition of "Works" includes all of these. This session will review research along with personal stories from Minnesota Drug Courts about why Drug Courts are so effective.

Presenter(s): Barbara Carson, Professor Emeritus from MSU Mankato, has been a consultant and program evaluator for Drug Courts and Veterans Courts since 2006, serving in 15 different Minnesota counties. While at MSU she taught students how to be probation officers as well as how to work with victims of crime. She retired in 2019 as a Professor in Sociology and Corrections, and in 2023 relocated to Minneapolis to be closer to children and 4 grandchildren. However, she continues to work with several Drug and Veterans Courts.
Sponsor: Steve Gilbert