When someone is recovering from a substance use disorder or addiction, there is typically a team of people involved with a formal recovery program. Court liaison assistance is one aspect of many programs and can be quite valuable in court cases that involve substance abuse. This person will be available for the defendant before, during and after the trial, including sentencing and probation. Keep reading to find out what role a court liaison professional plays.
Understanding the Role of Court Liaison Assistance in Substance Abuse Cases
- Assessment and Referral
Court liaison services often include a full assessment, which serves to provide a picture of a person’s level of substance use and addiction, as well as identify any mental health disorders that are present. With this information, a person can be referred to an appropriate treatment program.
- Facilitate Communication
When a person is in legal trouble due to substance use crimes, a court liaison helps to keep the lines of communication open between that person and the courts and treatment providers. This ensures that all parties are aware of all aspects of the situation and can proceed accordingly.
- Monitor Program Compliance
Often, when the courts get involved, there is some degree of mandatory compliance with a recovery program. In that case, a court liaison will ensure that one is meeting the requirements set forth for their case.
- Court Liaison Assistance Offers Support
Because a court liaison helps represent one in court, they are also available for support during the process. They can recommend alternatives to jail time, such as diversion programs and intensive rehab programs. They can also help a person navigate the legal system, which can be quite overwhelming and confusing.
- Coordinate Resources
An individual recovering from substance abuse and addiction may need help finding appropriate and helpful resources. Court liaison professionals can help with this, providing assistance in finding healthcare, housing, education and employment. This helps support recovery and promotes long term sobriety.
- Educate and Train
Court liaisons also offer training and education to court judges and lawyers regarding addiction and recovery. This helps everyone understand the nature of substance abuse, the most beneficial course of action to take in an individual case and offers several options as an alternative to jail time.
- Improves the Outcome
With assistance from a court liaison, a person has a better outcome of continued recovery and a lower risk of relapse. They are also more likely to continue making other healthy lifestyle choices and staying out of legal trouble.
- Case Management
Case management from a court liaison provides continued and consistent follow up and adjustment to the treatment plan, as needed. This ensures successful treatment, including arranging transportation, family visits and financial assistance. This gives someone in recovery a support system they can rely on along the way, even once they get through the legal part of their rehab.
Court liaison assistance is a valuable part of recovery and dramatically improves one’s outcome during and after the legal process. For more information and to find the help you need, contact Canon Human Services Centers, Inc. today and we can get you through, every step of the way.