An Alternate to Incarceration to Support Change and Reintegration 

Who it’s for:
Adults at high risk of re-offending due to level of addiction, all genders

Location:
Transition Place, 101, 10010 – 105 Street 

Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8:15 am – 4:30 pm

Contact:
Call 780.970.5127 or email us  

Edmonton Courthouse, Court Room 267
1A Sir Winston Churchill Square

Hours:
Wednesday and Thursday, 2:00 p.m

Applying:
Contact your legal counsel or probation officer for a referral. 

Edmonton Drug Treatment Court Services (EDTCS) is a FREE program for those dealing with addiction, who have been charged with a crime and are facing significant sentences. It provides an alternative to incarceration, and is intended to reduce overall expenditures of the Courts, Legal, Corrections and Human Services systems, while keeping the community safe.

Participants contributed 673 volunteer hours to community programs and services. (2024)

How it Works

  • It is an intensive one-year (minimum) court-supervised drug treatment program. 
  • The charged individual must enter a guilty plea with a delayed sentencing process (s.720 (2) of the criminal code).
  • Entry into the program requires the consent of the Crown, the Court and the Accused.
  • Participants are supported in overcoming drug dependence to reduce their criminal involvement and help them reintegrate into the community.
  • The purpose of the drug treatment court is to reduce the likelihood of ongoing criminal behaviour to protect the community – and support those struggling with addiction.
  • Participants are involved in community service programs, giving back an average of 100 hours a month in volunteer time.
  • It helps participants rebuild their lives and enter into lifelong recovery, while making amends for past crimes.

About the Program

  • Follows proven, evidence-based strategies to reduce substance use and related criminal offences.
  • Provides intensive supervised case management & peer support.
  • Conducts random regular drug urinalysis screening to ensure compliance.
  • Provides supported weekly court attendance to track progress.
  • Offers additional wraparound supports (housing, employment, mental health, etc.).

A Collaborative Program

The operation of the EDTCS through the collaborative efforts of a multi-disciplinary team, including:

  • Justices
  • Provincial and Federal Crown Prosecutors
  • Duty Counsel (Legal Aid Alberta)
  • Probation Officer
  • EDTCS Case Management team 

Connect with Edmonton Drug Treatment Court Services

Call 780.970.5127 or email us.

Our Program Partners

Edmonton Drug Treatment Court Services is operated by enCompass, in partnership with many community supports, including Community Corrections, Alberta Justice, Edmonton Police Service, Legal Aid Alberta, Crown Prosecutor’s Office, and many more. Funding for the project is received through Alberta Justice and Individual and Corporate Donors.