- 404-371-4901
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556 N. McDonough Street
Decatur, Georgia 30030
The DCDC treatment model has two tracks that revolve around the value of pairing evidence-based treatment protocols with judicial supervision. Participants are held to accountability, work, and steady effort toward recovery. Track 1 is a treatment program with five phases over a minimum of 18 months and responds to the needs of substance use disordered individuals assessed at moderate to high-moderate risk of recidivism. The program includes intensive outpatient services (potentially including housing), a criminal and addictive thinking curriculum, backed by four phases relapse-prevention and education programming, life skills, employment, and supervision.
Track 2 is a treatment and accountability program that takes place over a minimum of 18 months, and engages justice involved, substance dependent individuals assessed at moderate risk of recidivism and present with “protective-factors”, such as employment history, stable residence, and fewer than three felony convictions over the last 10 years. Track 2 includes one phase of intensive outpatient services; two phases of outpatient relapse-prevention, education programming, life skills, and supervision; and 12 months of aftercare services and recovery maintenance.
Participants may be referred by any number of sources, including judges, defense and prosecuting attorneys, pretrial services and probation officers, community programs, and family members. The screening process typically takes between 10 and 14 days. Referrals are made by contacting the DCDC program office and submitting a brief referral form. Disqualifying criteria include presenting charges and/or felony convictions involving violence or drug dealing; unresolved “holds” or pending cases in other jurisdictions (the DCDC is amenable to working with other jurisdictions but requires agreement on pending charges prior to enrollment); and medical, mental health, or intellectual challenges that preclude full, successful participation in a fast-paced, cognitive behavioral program. All candidates will receive a clinical and standardized assessment that indicates “appropriateness” for DCDC services.
Enrollment decisions are subject to approval by the DCDC presiding judge and interdisciplinary team. Importantly, candidates screening and assessment information are protected and confidential.
Enrollment for Track 1 and 2 requires candidates to plead guilty to their presenting charge(s) without conviction (post-plea/pre-conviction) and sign a contract detailing program expectations and rules. Upon successful completion of the program, an order is issued deeming the case nolle prosequi (vacated/dismissed).
If a participant fails to complete the program or is discharged, he/she is formally convicted and sentenced.
Candidates are enrolled in the program with the expectation of treatment success, and the interdisciplinary team is prepared to commit significant time and energy to working with motivated individuals, who are serious about changing their lives. Grounds for discharge include violation of the law or failure to comply with the DCDC contract, which requires honesty, hard work, and accountability.
DCDC’s capacity for both Tracks is approximately 80 participants.
Agency-specific information:
A criminal case in the DeKalb Superior Court (DeKalb Judicial Circuit) is not assigned to a specific Judge until the District Attorney makes a decision to bring charges in the case.
Charges in a criminal case in Superior Court proceed by way of an indictment returned by the Grand Jury or by way of an accusation drawn by the District Attorney. When the indictment or accusation is filed with the Clerk of Superior Court, the case is then assigned to one of ten Superior Court Judges.
Prior to a case being filed, the case is “unindicted” and identified with a “D” number. It is not assigned to a specific Superior Court Judge.
All questions regarding “D” number cases should therefore be directed to the District Attorney’s office.
