In partnership with a national organization, BSRI led on-the-ground evaluation efforts for a groundbreaking pilot that integrated trauma-supportive modalities into MiamiDade County’s Adult Drug Court – bringing research rigor, multi-stakeholder coordination, and a local lens to a nationally significant study.
Overview
Treating underlying trauma is critical for people recovering from substance use disorders, yet few justice systems address it systematically. Miami-Dade County’s Adult Drug Court saw that many participants were living with unresolved trauma, including PTSD, and recognized the link between trauma, addiction, and cycles of recidivism. With funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Court piloted gender-specific, trauma-informed interventions designed to improve recovery outcomes, reduce substance use, and lower repeat offenses.
Our Approach
BSRI applied high-quality, evidence-informed evaluation and project management expertise to align diverse priorities — from the Court and treatment providers to participants and federal evaluators. We designed and coordinated a rigorous local data collection process, tracked progress toward shared deliverables, and ensured compliance with federal evaluation standards. By balancing empirical rigor with cultural and community context, we delivered findings that were both methodologically sound and operationally relevant.
Impact
The resulting publication was shared both nationally and internationally by SAMHSA and the National Center for State Courts as a model for trauma-informed justice innovation. The findings helped Miami-Dade’s Adult Drug Court secure and sustain local partnerships and funding for trauma-focused therapies — now entering its third consecutive five-year funding cycle through 2029. This precedent-setting work continues to shape best practices for drug courts nationwide.
What We Learned
This study deepened our understanding of how drug courts operate. We gained insight into participant flow and the connections between court processes, treatment providers, and community supports. We strengthened local partnerships with providers and the Miami-Dade County Adult Drug Court, reinforcing BSRI’s role as a credible evaluation partner with deep behavioral health expertise. The findings underscored the importance of trauma-specific therapies in breaking cycles of trauma and addiction. They also highlighted the potential of these therapies as a cornerstone of community-based recovery strategies.
Team Behind the Work
Partners
