Community Corrections Programs

Community Justice Programs is the designated Community Corrections Program for Jefferson County.  The program provides community-based sentencing options in lieu of prison incarceration for non-violent felony offenders. Participants receive comprehensive case management services including evidence-based assessment and individualized case planning. Case plans address medical, substance abuse and psychological needs, housing, vocational/educational needs, transportation, and other social support needs. Evidence-based cognitive behavioral programming in addition to an array of recovery support services  provide participants with additional support and resources to promote long-term recovery and enhance stability in the community. Participants submit to random, observed drug screening and are supervised in compliance with the Alabama Department of Corrections, Community Corrections Minimum Standards,

For more information:  

Birmingham
Daniel Cheatwood, Program Manager
(205) 934-2880
danielcheatwood@uabmc.edu

Bessemer
Paul Holmes, Program Manager
(205) 497-8540
davidholmes@uabmc.edu

Pretrial Release Program

Individuals booked into the county jail receive screening to assess mental health and substance abuse treatment needs, need for appointed counsel and other justice-system related factors. Information collected through the screening process is used to inform referrals for further evaluation and/or community-based services to address identified needs. Reports are developed and presented to judges at 48 hours hearings for individuals who are not immediately released. 

Problem-Solving Courts

Problem-solving courts combine therapeutic interventions and case management with judicial oversight and accountability. Using a non-adversarial approach, these specialized dockets aim to address the underlying cause of criminal justice involvement to reduce recidivism and promote public safety. The first problem-solving court, drug court, was created in Miami-Dade County, Florida in 1989. Since then more than 3,100 drug courts have been established across the country. The success of drug courts spawned the creation of other socialized dockets including mental health courts, veteran’s treatment courts . Community Justice Programs operates the following Jefferson County problem-solving courts -

• Drug Court
• Veteran’s Treatment Court
• Mental Health Court

Participants receive comprehensive case management services including evidence-based assessment and individualized case planning. Case plans address medical, substance abuse and psychological needs, housing, vocational/educational needs, transportation, and other social support needs. Evidence-based cognitive behavioral programming in addition to an array of recovery support services  provide participants with additional support and resources to promote long-term recovery and enhance stability in the community.Participants are required to follow their individualized case management plans, attend court reviews, perform community service, pay fees and submit to random, observed drug screening. 

Requirements may vary across programs. Contact us to learn more about a specific program.   

For more information:

Birmingham
Jennifer Gaddis, 
(205) 934-2738
jennifergaddis@uabmc.edu

Bessemer
Paul Holmes, Program Manager
(205) 497-8540
davidholmes@uabmc.edu

Misdemeanor Programs

For more information:

Chris Armistead, Program Manager 
(205) 934-2261 
csarmistead@uabmc.edu