HALLELUJAH FOR THE DRUG COURT GRADS

Program Serves A Need In The Community While Garnering Savings For Taxpayers, Too

On June 24, the life of seven former drug abusers changed.

These people graduated from the 4th Circuit District Drug Court in a ceremony at the Washington County Courthouse after the group completed a court-ordered and sponsored program that has now led to drug-free lives.

According to information provided by the Drug Court, this is a program designed to identify non-violent drug offenders and provide them an opportunity to become drug free through a rigorous program of support and tough love.

And anyone thinking this is an easy out to get away from a sentence and then go on doing what they were doing has another think coming.

Participants selected for the Drug Court program must undergo a stringent agenda which includes, first, approval by the judge, the district attorney's office and law enforcement.  Then, if they receive approval through those entities, an individual program is set up in a 12-step format along with random drug testing, meetings with judges and other requirements.

Circuit Judge Margaret Carey-McCray, administrator for the county's Drug Court program, and those who assist with this second-chance effort, are to be commended and saluted for the tenacity that is needed to help these offenders through what she has described as "a taxing" but fair program.

"Instead of punishing, the court has decided to be therapeutic," Carey-McCray said at the ceremony.  "People realize this is not a cakewalk, but if you're willing to take on the hard work, the court is here to help."

It is estimated that the program could take an individual as long as three years to complete while incorporating five phases of progress before the individual can walk up and receive a certificate of completion.

And while these seven people have now completed the program, another 50 or so are currently participating in the rehabilitation program, according to Circuit Judge Ashley Hines.

What also must be considered is the financial aspect of this program.  Taxpayers benefit with less public dollars being spent to make a difference in people lives while bringing offenders back into society in a positive and meaningful way.

Consider that, according to statistics from the Drug Court program, incarcerating drug offenders costs taxpayers between $25,000 to $45,000 a year.  Drug court expenses run between $2,500 and $4,000 a year and the offender stays in the community, at home, and working out the problems with their lives.

It doesn't take a calculator to figure out which is the better savings for the taxpayer, the community, the judicial system and the individual.

"On a daily basis, we can see the changes that these participants are making in their lives and how the drug court is supporting them in being stronger in their recovery.  The close supervision and monitoring, regular drug testing and accountability that are essential elements of the drug court, provide the support necessary to keep the participants on the right course," Carey-McCray said.

"I just want to shout Hallelujah!" said Sheena Ellis, one of those who graduated from the program.  "Judge ( Betty ) Sanders is one who put a ray of hope in my life."

And we say Hallelujah, too, to those who graduated, to their families and friends who supported them through this program and to Judge Carey-McCray and the 4th District judges for their commitment to compassionate justice where it's needed.