Overview of MBTC
Welcome to the Misdemeanor Brooklyn Treatment Court (MBTC). MBTC offers substance abuse treatment as an alternative to incarceration programs for misdemeanor drug offenders arrested in Brooklyn, New York.
MBTC is a court program designed for those persons who chronically cycle in and out of the criminal justice system due to their drug dependance. Commonly, this population will return to the community after arrest and incarceration without any intervention to the source of the problem. MBTC strives to ensure its participants obtain individual-specific drug treatment services. In addition, MBTC attends to the social problems that often stem from long term drug addiction, such as the need for adequate medical care, housing, stable employment and reunification of family. It is the rationale of MBTC that by addressing drug addiction and the related social problems, participants will have new opportunities to live healthy, productive and fulfilling lives.
Mia Santiago
Project Director II
STEP/MBTC
Our Mission
The mission of the Misdemeanor Brooklyn Treatment Court is to break the cycle of drugs, crime and incarceration for substance-abusing repeat misdemeanor offenders, improving their quality of life and reducing the incidence of drug-related crime on the streets and homes of Brooklyn. The Misdemeanor Brooklyn Treatment Court will mandate offenders to appropriate treatment; employ intensive judicial supervision and rigorous case management; utilize a system of graduated sanctions and rewards; and assist with educational, vocational and medical needs. Through a partnership consisting of the judge, prosecutor, defense bar, clinical staff and community-based treatment providers, the Misdemeanor Brooklyn Treatment Court will use its authority to instill a respect for the law and community and help participants reestablish a life without drugs.