Denton County's adult drug treatment court, which steers people charged with felonies into supervised treatment instead of the usual path through the courts, is set to grow again.
Denton County commissioners on Tuesday will consider letting the 211th District Court run a second drug court docket starting Jan. 1, 2027. The program now holds one docket in the 211th and one in the 462nd District Court.
In a memo to commissioners, Judges Brody Shanklin of the 211th and Lee Ann Breading of the 462nd wrote that demand has grown significantly since the court opened in 2016 and that another docket is needed. The memo lists no added cost for the expansion.
How the program works
According to the memo, the court is voluntary and aimed at high-risk felony defendants who struggle with substance abuse and want to break the cycle. Participants usually stay 18 to 24 months under court supervision. Depending on their needs, they may go to residential treatment or intensive or supportive outpatient care.
They face random drug tests, regular office and court appointments, scheduled and surprise field visits and support group meetings, and the program stresses keeping a job and stable housing.
Commissioners added the 462nd District Court to the program in October 2023.
Ten years in
The court marked its 10th anniversary on Oct. 11, and Tuesday's agenda includes a proclamation recognizing it. The proclamation says the court has served more than 200 people and graduated nearly 100, and that it saves an average of more than $6,000 for each person it serves.
