The Criminal Justice Division’s principal objective is the reduction of recidivism by addicts. Experience indicates that through intensive treatment, combined with the authority of the court, the percentage of repeat offender’s drops significantly.

Ground-breaking programs such as Probationers Recovery through Intervention Drug Education (PRIDE), Federal Probation Program (FPP) and Drug Court provide excellence in treatment, counseling and guidance for our clients – with result-oriented success.

A factor in the drop in recidivism is the acceptance of accountability by the offender. Compliance is enhanced through the “coercive treatment” aspect provided by the various law enforcement partners, which can mandate that an individual must complete the program successfully or face incarceration.

MHS programs provide treatment to over 3,300 clients daily. Santa Maria and Santa Barbara Drug Court programs were recently awarded to this division, thereby reaching an even greater number of addicts in need of treatment. MHS can further decrease instances of recidivism by offering support to those confronting addictive behaviors, and providing positive role models for clients.