Since 1998 the TDTC has been committed to providing alternatives to incarceration for Torontonians who face criminal charges related to drug addictions. This voluntary program is a joint partnership between a number of constituencies:

• CAMH - Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• Ontario Court of Justice
• Federal Dept. of Justice
• Legal Aid Ontario,
• Ministry of the Attorney General
• Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
• Public Prosecution Service of Canada
• Toronto Bail Program
• Other community agencies.


Who can participate
Participation is available to non-violent offenders only. People with addiction who have been charged with possession or trafficking of small quantities of crack, cocaine or heroin, minor property crimes or prostitution may participate in the program.

Turning lives around

The TDTC helps people with addictions to substances make positive changes using a multi-tiered community based approach:
• Supervised harm reduction treatment
• Abstinence support
• Group and individual counseling
• Securing shelter and housing

Upon graduation participants normally receive non-custodial sentences and leave with renewed hope for a drug free life.

Graduate Profile

Paulette Walker

Paulette Walker

Paulette Walker knows about perseverance. After 20 years of cocaine abuse, Paulette found herself in a Toronto courtroom facing a judge and a prison sentence. Instead of going to jail, Paulette enrolled with the TDTC and set out on the long road to recovery. Her perseverance in the program paid off. One of our most successful graduates, Paulette is now a chef and was once invited to tell her story at the UN in Vienna.