Pubdate: Sun, 2 Jun 2002 Source: Herald-Sun, The (NC) Copyright: 2002 The Herald-Sun Contact: http://www.herald-sun.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1428 Author: Tracy Hewett Tennent DRUG COURT EARNS RIGHT TO SURVIVE BUDGET CUTS We should all be concerned that proven programs that effectively treat rather than just warehouse drug addicts and youth are on the budget chopping block. Drug court in Durham may have resulted in only 11 successful "graduates," but there are around 50 in the Raleigh program and many more in Charlotte. Yes, the program costs the state court system, but what was the dollar figure saved by the Department of Correction? Because the court costs and prison savings come out of different pockets, the overall economic efficiency of this program is not readily apparent. In addition, calculate the savings in human lives: healthy babies, working and tax-paying citizens and fewer customers for dealers. We in Durham can be thankful that additional court time has been added to address issues regarding our youth and that we have both Judge Elaine O'Neil and Judge Marcia Morey willing to take on heavier loads in order to serve this crucial component of our society. Let us all hope that the drug court also survives. TRACY HEWETT TENNENT Durham - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens