Pubdate: Sat, 07 Apr 2001
Source: Statesman Journal (OR)
Copyright: 2001 Statesman Journal
Contact:  http://www.http://www.statesmanjournal.com//
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/427
Author: Susan Tom
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts)

DRUG COURT PROVIDES SECOND CHANCE

The Pilot Program Is Meant To Steer First-Time Offenders Into Treatment.

It was apparent to Marion County Judge Dennis Graves that the auburn-haired 
woman was hurting.

Her voice broke several times Friday when she told him how her ex-husband 
in Arizona was going to bring their 13-year-old son to Salem for a visit 
during spring break.

She had been looking forward to the reunion. It's been two months since 
Services to Children and Families removed him from her home because she 
tested positive for drugs.

"I really want to do this," the 53-year-old woman said.

Graves listened, asked questions and ordered her to attend Narcotics 
Anonymous three times a week, see a drug treatment counselor on Monday, a 
probation and parole officer on Wednesday, and come back next Friday.

All those in the jury box - the Drug Court team of law enforcement and 
treatment professionals - gave her a round of applause.

Welcome to the first day of Drug Court, a pilot program held every Friday 
to prevent the compounded effects of parents' drug use on families by 
targeting offenders charged with their first felony possession.

The Statesman Journal is not naming the participant because Drug Court 
graduates will have their charges dismissed.

Currently financed by Marion County Parole and Probation, Drug Court is a 
cooperative effort between the Salem Police Department, Marion County 
Sheriff's Office, the district attorney, defense attorneys and treatment 
providers.

The program is among the latest efforts to battle the impact of a spiraling 
drug problem. On the Interstate 5 corridor, Salem is among the nation's top 
drug-trafficking hubs. One out of every nine Oregonians needs treatment.

Taxpayers save $5.60 in law enforcement and other costs for every $1 
invested in treatment programs, Marion County officials said.

More than 200,000 people have participated in drug courts nationwide since 
1989. The federal Government Accounting Office reported that 71 percent of 
those in drug court have completed the program or or actively participated.

In Marion County, about 15 offenders will get the chance to clean up their 
records if they clean up their acts.

Drug Court also rewards participants with decreased supervision and other 
incentives.

Sanctions include more drug testing, court appearances and 12-step 
meetings, community service and jail.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager