Substance Use and the Court System: Opportunities and Chanllenges

Substance use and the court system are deeply intertwined. Courts often play a critical role in shaping access to treatment, determining legal outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders, and influencing broader community responses to addiction. This webinar will examine how the court system impacts individuals with substance use disorders, explore the role of social workers in navigating this intersection, and highlight best practices for promoting recovery and justice. Participants will learn about specialized courts (such as drug courts), court-mandated treatment, and the ethical considerations involved in working with this population. Learning Objectives 1. Analyze the ways in which the court system impacts individuals with substance use disorders. 2. Describe the role of specialized courts (such as drug courts) and their effectiveness in supporting recovery. 3. Identify best practices and ethical considerations for social workers engaging with clients involved in the court system.