Pubdate: Tue, 24 Jul 2001
Source: Virginian-Pilot (VA)
Copyright: 2001, The Virginian-Pilot
Contact:  http://www.pilotonline.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/483
Author: John Hopkins
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts)

PORTSMOUTH -- The city's new drug court expects to receive $499,627 
from the U.S. Department of Justice to expand its program.

According to the Justice Department's Drug Courts Program Office, the 
city is one of three Virginia localities slated to receive drug-court 
grants. Newport News is to receive $449,256 and Chesterfield County 
is to get $490,543.

``What it's going to enable us to do is expand the program,'' which 
is less than a year old, Circuit Judge Johnny Morrison said.

In addition to providing more services, the funds will allow the drug 
court to hire a case manager, said Ethel Weaver, the drug treatment 
court administrator in Portsmouth. The case manager will work to link 
clients to housing, full-time employment, educational opportunities 
and more, Weaver said.

Drug courts combine substance-abuse treatment, intense supervision 
and the potential of sanctions, such as jail or prison, to help 
defendants get their lives on track. Offenders who graduate from drug 
court programs may have their charges dismissed or sentences reduced.

Portsmouth's drug court has 18 clients.

That number will grow, along with the professional personnel to help 
drug offenders, Weaver said.

In Hampton Roads, drug courts are in Portsmouth, Norfolk and Newport News.

Virginia Beach began a program in its District Court last year. And 
Suffolk is exploring the possibility.
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