The Court Referral Program was developed to assist defendants with alcohol and drug abuse-related offenses with education and/or treatment referral services and to be able to act as "resource brokers" within local communities. The program is designed to be used in conjunction with court orders and not as a replacement for judicial sanctions.

With the implementation of the Mandatory Treatment Act of 1990, Court Referral Officers have provided services to defendants in a broader spectrum of cases related to alcohol and drug use or abuse. Court Referral Officers evaluate, refer, monitor and provide drug screening services for defendants in Houston County. 

The Court Referral Program serves the courts. A CRO’s primary goal is to evaluate defendants and make recommendations

The Houston County CRP also administers the Court Referral Education Program (CREP) in Houston, Barbour and Henry Counties.

CREP provides substance abuse programs approved and sanctioned by the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts for Barbour and Henry Counties.  These programs consist of Level I (12 hours), Level II (24 hours) and Youth Juvenile (12 hours). 

A Defensive Driving Program is administered through the National Safety Council.  DDC provides 4 hour sessions for Houston County as well as out of the region and out of state referrals.