STAR is primarily for those individuals who are on supervised release and who are suffering from recurring relapses on alcohol and/or drugs. Most STAR participants come as a referral from their current federal probation officer because they continue to use alcohol or drugs and may need more structure to help address the underlying causes of their addiction or mental health issues. Like most others, our drug court is for clients with High Risk (of relapse) and High Need (of supportive services). An extensive criminal history is not a disqualifier: in fact, most of our participants have spent decades in prison, starting in their youth. Your personal background, criminal history, performance on “regular supervision” and other assessment tools are reviewed to determine whether or not you are eligible to participate in STAR. You can review the eligibility checklist on the referral form. In order to be accepted into the program, you must observe four consecutive court hearings and meet with a STAR Judge. Your sentencing judge must also approve the transfer.
