Idaho State Statutes - Idaho Attorney Directory

The legislature finds that:
(1) Substance abuse is a contributing cause for much of the crime in
Idaho, costs millions of dollars in productivity, contributes to the ever
increasing jail and prison populations and adversely impacts Idaho children;
(2) Drug courts which closely supervise, monitor, test and treat
substance abusers have proven effective in certain judicial districts in Idaho
and in other states in reducing the incidence of drug use, drug addiction, and
crimes committed as a result of drug use and drug addiction. Successful drug
courts are based on partnerships among the courts, law enforcement,
corrections and social welfare agencies;
(3) Mental illness is a substantial contributing cause to crime in Idaho.
Crimes committed by persons suffering from mental illness cause substantial
losses to persons and business throughout the state and endanger public
safety. In addition, millions of dollars are spent each year on the
incarceration, supervision and treatment of mentally ill offenders;
(4) Mental health courts in Idaho and other jurisdictions that closely
supervise and monitor mentally ill adult and juvenile offenders and oversee
their treatment are an innovative alternative to incarceration for certain
offenders. Such courts, which can be operated in conjunction with drug courts,
have provided a cost-effective approach to addressing the mental health needs
of offenders, reducing recidivism, providing community protection, easing the
caseload of the courts, and alleviating the problem of increasing prison, jail
and detention populations; and
(5) It is in the best interests of the citizens of this state to expand
the use of drug courts and mental health courts in Idaho.
The goals of the drug courts and mental health courts created by this
chapter are to reduce the overcrowding of jails and prisons, to reduce alcohol
and drug abuse and dependency among criminal and juvenile offenders, to hold
offenders accountable, to reduce recidivism, and to promote effective
interaction and use of resources among the courts, justice system personnel
and community agencies.

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