Dunn County Treatment Court Reporting Successful 2025

The Dunn County Treatment Court is reporting a successful 2025 for its evidence-based treatment and recovery support program.

The Dunn County Treatment Court is a voluntary program offering individuals facing felony drug charges an alternative to traditional sentencing. According to its website, the Treatment Court seeks to empower individuals to reach and maintain recovery by helping them create a healthy lifestyle and support network rather than giving them a lengthy prison sentence.

According to a press release, the program served 17 participants in 2025 with five new admissions and six successful graduates. Court officials administered nearly 12 hundred drug screenings with an 88% negative test rate.

To be eligible for joining the Treatment Court, individuals must be a Dunn County resident, be at least 18 years old, face felony charges related to drug or alcohol use, be considered high risk on a COMPAS assessment, and have a moderate to severe substance use disorder.

The program typically lasts between 14 and 18 months, but can continue longer depending on the progress of the individual receiving help. The program includes intensive supervision and case management, frequent court appearances, and frequent random drug testing. Officials from the District Attorney’s office, law enforcement agencies, the department of human services, or their own defense attorneys can refer eligible individuals to the treatment court.

Addressing substance abuse disorders has been a major focus in Western Wisconsin over recent years following a spike in opioid-related hospitalizations during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many local governments have turned to harm reduction strategies to combat that spike, including the installation of harm reduction vending machines and sharps disposal boxes. Much of the funding for those harm reduction programs comes from lawsuit settlements against opioid manufacturers.