Since 1998 the TDTC has been committed to providing alternatives to incarceration for Torontonians who face criminal charges related to drug addictions. This voluntary program is a joint partnership between a number of constituencies:
- CAMH - Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Ontario Court of Justice
- Federal Dept. of Justice
- Legal Aid Ontario
- Ministry of the Attorney General
- Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
- Public Prosecution Service of Canada
- Other community agencies
Funding
Funding for the Toronto Drug Treatment Court Program is provided by:
- The Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General: provides partial funding for core program
- The Toronto Central LHIN and Ontario MInistry of Health and Long-Term Care: provides housing program funding
- Private donations (through the CAMH Foundation, Corporate Volunteer Program and Gifts of Light and fundraising efforts): provides for special events, client comfort items and program incentives
Who can participate
Participation is available to adults who have an addiction (to one or more of: cocaine/crack, opiates, methamphetamines) who are facing non-violent charges which are connected in some way to their addiction/means of obtaining drugs. The type of crimes accepted are: non-commercial trafficking, minor property charges, possession, etc.
Turning lives around
The TDTC helps people with addictions to substances make positive changes using a multi-tiered community based approach:
- Supervised harm reduction treatment
- Abstinence support
- Group and individual counseling
- Securing shelter and housing
- Opiate substition therapy
- Case Management
Upon graduation participants do not go to prison. They normally receive non-custodial/probation sentences and leave with renewed hope for a drug free life.