Reforms include screening of defendants, drug testing and assessment.(New York State University Court System court-mandated substance abuse treament)

According to the New York State University Court System, its new initiative on court-mandated substance abuse treatment for nonviolent, substance-abusing defendants will feature the following key elements:

* Statewide screening of criminal defendants and parents charged with neglect in family court cases to identify nonviolent addicts eligible for treatment.

* In-depth assessment and drug testing of those eligible and willing to participate in treatment in exchange for a favorable case disposition.

* Diversion to appropriate treatment in drug courts or prosecutor-sponsored programs.

* Judicial supervision and close monitoring of addicted …