What is the Drug Court Eval project?
The Drug Court Eval project evaluates processes and outcomes of the Family Treatment Drug Court (FTDC) in Judge Heideman’s courtroom.
Who are the members of the project?
Kate Hazen and Melanie Fessinger manage the evaluation work. Eve Brank assists with the evaluation design. Several undergraduate workers have helped with the data collection.
When did the project begin, and how long is it for?
We have led the evaluation work for a few years as in kind support for the FTDC. In October 2016, we started receiving funding for our work after Lancaster County received an OJJDP grant for expanding the drug court services.
What inspired this project/job assignment, and how has it evolved?
Vicky Weisz and Jennie Cole-Mossman worked with the Family Treatment Drug Courts as part of the SAMHSA Safe Start grant from 2009 to 2014. This evaluation work evolved from that grant work.
Any challenges in the project/job assignment?
Since we are only the evaluators for the FTDC and not the managers/coordinators, we are not in control of the decisions made or not made and have had to adjust our evaluation work accordingly.
What’s the most exciting or best part of getting to work on or being part of this project/job assignment?
Problem solving courts can make a huge difference in families’ lives, and we feel fortunate to be a part of that work.