The PRC was established in 2005 in order to reduce recidivism among drug-involved offenders in the federal system, and it was the second program of its kind when it began operation. Two judges (an Article III judge and a U.S. magistrate judge) serve in the role of PRC judge. The judges alternately preside over staffing and court sessions, and both regularly attend sessions at which they are not presiding. The program is designed to take a minimum of 12 months to complete and requires, at minimum, 6 months of sustained sobriety. As of 2013, the average time in the program for graduates was estimated to be 13 months. The program population consists of adult offenders who have a history of drug abuse or addiction and were previously convicted and sentenced to prison before a United States District Court and are serving a term of federal supervision. The PRC team consists of two alternating judges, an AUSA, and AFPD, Reentry Court Probation Officer, treatment provider, and courtroom deputy.
Participants progress through a phase system, moving through four levels of supervision designed to build the capacity for lawful self-management over time. The focus on Phase 1 is on building relationships within the recovery community, initiating a treatment plan, understanding drug and alcohol addiction and the consequences of failing to change risky behaviors. Phase 2 focuses on developing a vision for the future, understanding that recovery is a way of life, relapse prevention, and building the confidence to sustain recovery. Phase 3 focuses on practicing skills to avoid relapse, building pro-social relationships and a strong support system, and becoming economically self-sufficient. Each phase sets forth requirements that are tailored to the areas of focus described above. Requirements include periods of sustained abstinence, compliance with drug testing and court-ordered financial obligations, and progress toward individual goals related to employment, housing, pro-social engagement, and recovery planning and maintenance. Participants attend two hearings per month in Phase 1 and monthly hearings in the remaining phases. As of April 1, 2016, PRC had 119 total graduates and 118 total terminations over the course of the program.