Maintaining the Service Model

A service model is a means to deliver needed services. It outlines a method to connect what the needs are and how they can be addressed. Maintaining the model though is an additional step. Without attention to the details and goals of the model, outcomes can be compromised. In this context, considering the importance of consumer involvement can empower the drug court participants to engage in their program and have a means to receive ongoing support. Operationalizing a service model is one step, but maintaining it is as crucial as its implementation. The continuous self-monitoring and evaluation can increase the fidelity of what is to be maintained over time and maximize effectiveness (Taxman FS, Belenko S (2012) Implementing evidence-based practices in community corrections and addiction treatment. In: Springer series on evidence-based crime policy. Springer, New York, pp 1–318). Best practices suggest that Judges support ongoing trainings and evaluations of drug courts within their jurisdictions. Data on treatment, relapse, criminal recidivism, and other psychosocial variables should be collected on a continuous basis. Yet, because outside evaluators may not be feasibly accessible due to budget constraints, using what resources are inherent in the drug court setting can make this process more realistic. Two of these resources would be the clinician, who serves as the treatment provider, and peer recovery supports.