Drug Treatment and Testing Order
Offenders agree their treatment plan with the probation and treatment services. The plan will set out the level of treatment and testing and what is required at each stage of the order.
Who is this sentence suitable for?
This type of sentence is appropriate for problem drug users aged over 16 who commit crime to fund their drug habit and show a willingness to co-operate with treatment. A DTTO requires motivation and determination from the offender, but support is provided by Probation and treatment staff to complete the programme successfully.
What might it involve?
Lasting between six months and three years, the DTTO aims to:
- help offenders produce a personal action plan so that they can identify what they must do to reduce offending and stop their use of drugs;
- explain the links between drug use and offending and how drugs affect health;
- help offenders identify realistic ways of changing their lives for the better.
Treatment is carried out at a specified place, either as an in-patient or out-patient and includes regular drug testing and court reviews. You may also receive clinical treatment; a day care programme; health education; activities to improve social skills, education and career prospects and participation on an offending behaviour programme.
Failure to stick to the treatment plan will mean a return to court for breach of the order. This could result in re-sentencing which might mean prison.