Pubdate: Thu, 28 Feb 2002
Source: Courier-Journal, The (KY)
Copyright: 2002 The Courier-Journal
Contact:  http://www.mapinc.org/media/97
Author: Gregory A Hall
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts)

JEFFERSON DRUG COURTS HONORED, HAILED AS 'NATIONAL MODEL'

Jefferson County's drug courts received recognition yesterday from a 
professional group as a ''national model and training center.''

The National Association of Drug Court Professionals honored the 
Jefferson County drug court, one of the first of its kind in the 
country, for its success in rehabilitating substance abusers and 
finding alternatives to prison.

Carolyn Hardin, project director for the association's National Drug 
Court Institute, presented plaques to Kentucky Chief Justice Joseph 
Lambert, Jefferson County Attorney Irv Maze, Jefferson District Judge 
Henry Weber and Jefferson Circuit Judge Stephen Ryan for their work 
in the program.

''I know of no program anywhere that has the potential to take 
people's lives who are at a very low ebb . . . and restore that 
person's life to one of integrity and self-respect and self-esteem,'' 
Lambert said.

Hardin said the group believes that Weber, who helped start the 
Jefferson County program in 1993, is the longest-sitting drugcourt 
judge.

The institute conducted a training seminar this week in Louisville 
for court officials interested in starting drug courts. That included 
watching the Jefferson drug court in operation and hearing yesterday 
from several of the program's 288 graduates.

''The reward I have is these folks,'' Weber said, referring to the 
graduates who spoke yesterday.

Bruce Holmes, 39, said he lost a job because of drugs.

''The program works, there is no doubt it works,'' said Holmes, who 
graduated from drug court three years ago.

Only nonviolent offenders are eligible for the program. Treatment 
includes counseling and group therapy. Drug use is monitored. Those 
who miss therapy or relapse can be sent to jail before being 
readmitted to the program.

It takes at least a year to complete the program, with most graduates 
finishing in 18 months, said Bill Patteson, a spokesman for Maze.

Weber said he also is starting to preside over a civil family 
drug-court program for parents who might lose their children because 
of drug problems.
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