Overview
A Drug Treatment Court is a specialized, collaborative "problem-solving" court that offers non-violent, substance-addicted offenders an alternative to incarceration. Participants undergo court-supervised treatment and frequent testing with the opportunity for charges to be reduced or dismissed upon successful completion.
Location
13 Eaton Avenue
Norwich, NY 13815
United States
Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
(excluding State Holidays)
Judge's Chambers
CARES Court Judge
Hon. Michael J. Genute
Court Clerk's Office
CARES Court Staff
Jessica Morse, Resource Coordinator I
Mission Statement
The CARES Court's purpose is to save lives by providing immediate access to recovery support services to help combat the increasing number of drug overdoses in our community.
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1. What is CARES Court?
#CARES Court is a special part of Norwich City Court. It is a judicially supervised treatment program designed to provide immediate medical and clinical interventions and resources for individuals who are using substances and are at high risk of overdose. CARES Court is a voluntary program that includes regular court appearances before the CARES Court Judge. Upon admission into CARES Court, you will be expected to follow a treatment plan and you will be supported by the CARES Court team to help you make positive changes and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
CARES Court is a program that will last a minimum of 90 days. Total program length is based upon individual progress. Progress in this case is measured by demonstrating that your life, and your recovery, is stable enough to move forward with addressing your legal issues and treatment recommendations.
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2. Peer Support Services
#As part of the CARES Court program, you will work with a peer specialist. A peer specialist is an individual who is in sustained recovery, who not only provides a source of support but can also assist you with working through any barriers you may be experiencing.
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3. Who is eligible for CARES Court?
#Any individual with a pending charge in Norwich City Court, or any other court within Chenango County, may request to be screened and assessed for access to the Program. A pending charge may also include a Violation of Probation.
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4. What is required of CARES Court participants?
#Participants will be required to check-in with Judge Genute every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11:00 AM at Norwich City Court, located at 1 Court Plaza, Norwich, NY. Participants need to abide by an 8:00 PM curfew every night and must call the CARES Court Coordinator to check-in by leaving a message.
Participants will be required to follow a treatment plan consistent with their initial screening and assessment needs. Treatment plans may consist of alcohol and/or drug inpatient or outpatient care, depending on the individual’s level of need, and may also include mental health treatment, self-help, employment assistance, job readiness programs and schooling.
Participants will need to abstain from all mood-altering substances and submit to random drug/alcohol testing to ensure compliancy.
Participants will be encouraged to attend sober support activities in the community that will assist them with developing a sober support network.
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5. What are the benefits of participating in CARES Court?
#CARES Court can provide participants with access to resources that can help them stay clean and keep them out of the judicial system. People who are actively participating in the CARES Court Program will receive help in accessing services and support to help with things such as housing, transportation, food, clothing, etc. If the participant is successful, they may be offered a more favorable plea-offer by the District Attorney’s Office.