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. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh