of the alternatives to prison for drug dependent offenders and minor drug offenses.  A paper was presented to the Commission at the twenty-seventh regular session in May 2000.  Experts from the International Association of Drug Court Professionals (IADCP) and the Venezuelan delegate to CICAD also presented the various alternatives to incarceration currently utilized in Canada, the United States and Venezuela.    

The paper and presentations highlighted the key features of alternatives to incarceration, including drug courts.  They include providing a course of treatment for drug-dependent accused and criminal offenders, coordinating criminal justice, health and social service sectors and involving community support systems.  The Observatory's findings noted that alternatives to incarceration and drug courts exist globally and are determined by each country's criminal legislation.  The Observatory continues working in this area, preparing funding proposals in response to the member states expressed continued interest in these alternatives.