Anchorage Wellness Court: Summary of Facts — 2003 Update

Abstract

This brief report presents summary statistics for 2001–2003 for the Anchorage Wellness Court, a therapeutic court for alcoholic misdemeanants which has operated for three years in the Anchorage District Court. Participants enter the 18-month program under a plea agreement that gives them a reduced sentence if they complete the program, which includes specific treatment measures, regular appearances before the Wellness Court judge, monitoring for continued sobriety over an 18-month period, employment and/or school attendance, and other requirements aimed at helping the offender to overcome alcohol addiction and avoid reoffending. As of December 31, 2003, 25 participants had completed the program. Recidivism data indicate a recidivism rate of 12 percent for the 25 program graduates, compared with a average recidivism rate nationally of 67 percent for alcohol-related misdemeanors.