OUR HISTORY

The New Mexico Association of Drug Court Professionals (NMADCP) is a non-profit organization of professionals involved in the development and implementation of treatment-oriented drug courts.

 

The therapeutic justice movement, which originated in Miami-Dade County, Florida, in 1989, has evolved into a significant force.  Its primary goal is to transform the justice system's responses by integrating treatment and accountability for justice-involved individuals struggling with substance use disorders and mental health issues.  From the humble beginnings of the first treatment court in 1989, the movement has now expanded to over 4,000 courts across the country and worldwide, reflecting its potential and effectiveness.

 

In 1994, the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) was established, marking a pivotal moment in the therapeutic justice movement.  NADCP has been instrumental in bolstering and broadening the use of treatment courts as a more effective alternative to incarceration for individuals grappling with substance use and mental health disorders.  Its efforts have significantly enhanced the credibility of the therapeutic justice movement.  NADCP's leadership in developing standardized best practices, influencing legislative policy, and expanding federal funding for treatment courts has been a beacon of hope. 

 

Over time, it has expanded its reach to include veteran treatment courts, juvenile drug courts, and mental health courts, further solidifying its role in the movement. 

In 2023, NADCP underwent a significant transformation and was rebranded as AllRise.  This change aimed to emphasize the organization’s broader mission across all criminal justice “intercept” points – from law enforcement to reentry.   The shift from a narrow focus on treatment courts to a more holistic approach to addressing substance use and mental health at every stage of the justice system was a key driver for this rebranding.  Four divisions were established to clarify core areas of impact: the Treatment Court Institute, Impaired Driving Solutions, Justice for Vets, and the Center for Advancing Justice, each playing a crucial role in the broader mission of AllRise.  They continue to research and update evidence-based responses and standards for treatment courts nationwide.

 

In New Mexico, two drug courts were established in 1994: a DWI Court in Dona Ana County and an Adult Felony Drug Court in Bernalillo County.  In 1997, the Metropolitan Court opened its DWI Drug Court.  The expansion continued steadily with the establishment of Juvenile Drug Courts, Co-Occurring Drug Courts, Felony DWI Drug Courts, Mental Health Courts, Veterans’ Recovery Court, and Urban Native American Drug Courts, covering nearly all of New Mexico’s judicial districts.

 

In 1997, the New Mexico Association of Drug Court Professionals (NMADCP) was also created.  It was brought together by Erma Sedillo, Community Corrections Administrator (with the Department of Corrections), Judge James Hall, First Judicial District Court Judge, Judge Regina Sewell, Third Judicial District, Las Cruces, and Peter Bochert, Administrative Office of the Courts.  NMADCP Board of Directors were as follows:  Erma Sedillo (President – Department of Corrections), Judge Richard Knowles (Vice-President – Second Judicial District Court Judge), Benina Armijo-Sisneros (Treasurer – Metropolitan Court Administrator), Walt Lang (Secretary – Second Judicial Court Probation Supervisor), Lisa Lightman (Management Analyst at AOC), and Peter Bochert (AOC staff).

 

The New Mexico Association of Drug Court Professionals is a nonprofit membership organization that brings together individuals working in all aspects of treatment courts.  It includes judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, probation officers, treatment providers, administrators in the judiciary, law enforcement personnel, and others interested in treatment courts. 

 

Initially, NMADCP, in collaboration with the Administration of the Courts, promoted and advocated for the establishment and funding of drug courts across the state.  Together, they developed guidelines for New Mexico drug courts, collected information about them, and provided technical assistance and mutual support to drug court professionals in New Mexico.  By 1997, almost seven New Mexico drug courts were underway.  NMADCP’s goal was to serve as a repository for materials and information exchange, with a primary focus on identifying future resources and funding opportunities.

 

The first statewide NMADCP conference was held in Santa Fe in 1998, offering training for Drug Court professionals.  It was a one-day workshop that focused on both basic and advanced training for drug courts.  In 2005, NMADCP became a nonprofit organization.  Over the next 20 years, the statewide conference expanded to nearly three days of workshops, breakout sessions, and general meetings.  By 2019, the number of participants attending the conference had exceeded 400 individuals.  During the COVID restrictions, NMADCP transitioned to remote training, providing speakers and breakout groups through an online platform.  

 

By 2025, there will be approximately  54 treatment courts and 22 Tribal Healing to Wellness Courts.  Thousands of individuals have benefited from the approach of treatment and accountability for justice-involved participants dealing with substance use or mental health issues.

 

Since its inception, NMADCP has provided essential services and resources to the drug court field, including:

  • Annual Training Conferences
  • Regional Trainings
  • Advocacy on Behalf of State Drug Courts
  • Technical Assistance for Grant Writing and Other Resource Allocations
  • Media Advocacy
  • Legislative Support
  • Evaluation Monitoring

Like the drug court practitioners who created the organization, NMADCP is in a unique position to serve the field.  Comprising practitioners, criminal justice experts, and rehabilitative specialists, NMADCP has the expertise and ability to assist in the development of effective drug court programs.

 

NMADCP will continue its efforts to serve the New Mexico drug court field and to inform and educate the state as to the importance and effectiveness of drug courts and other court-based intervention programs.  Our approach is grounded in advocacy, education, and collaboration, reflecting our dedication to making a positive impact in our community.