Early Intervention Courts (EICs) represent a significant shift in how justice systems respond to individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). Rather than waiting for cases to progress through traditional adjudication, EICs intervene early, connecting individuals to treatment at the point of highest risk and greatest opportunity for change.

This four-part webinar series provides a practical, implementation-focused framework grounded in both science and real-world application.

Each session is grounded in operational realities, legal considerations, and proven practices that can be applied immediately.

Webinar #2 explores why timing is one of the most critical factors in responding to SUD-related cases and how Early Intervention Courts (EICs) were developed to address the unique risks associated with SUD. Participants will examine the limitations of traditional court processing, including delays between arrest, assessment, and treatment engagement. The session also explores the heightened risk of overdose and death following arrest and release. The session will review the research and outcome data supporting rapid intervention models and explain how EICs differ from traditional drug courts in structure, purpose, and immediacy of response. Designed for justice system professionals, this presentation demonstrates how early intervention can improve treatment engagement, reduce overdose risk, and enhance both public safety and long-term recovery outcomes.

This webinar is funded by a grant from the SAMHSA-funded Opioid Response Network (ORN).