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
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens