CJ-DATS PHASE I

The e-Court project is intended to address practical needs involving monitoring and reporting on drug courts nationally while also building basic knowledge on technology transfer and the role of technology in advancing program implementation and effectiveness.  Specific aims include:  

• Develop and test a management information system (MIS) for monitoring performance at the individual (client) and program level that can be readily adopted and implemented in drug courts receiving federal funding.  The system will be designed to record and facilitate case management activities of line staff, generate reports the court can use to monitor progress and inform development, and provide data needed for the federal Office of Justice Programs to describe court practices and assess performance. 

• Assess how drug courts are using web-based technology and examine the role of various organizational factors in the adoption and effective use of a web-based MIS developed for the drug court setting.

• Investigate the actual and potential impacts of information technology on drug court performance in the areas of case management, client compliance with treatment and supervision mandates, integration of justice and service systems, and the provision of effective treatment to drug court clients.