Pubdate: Sat, 19 Jul 2003 Source: Daily Press (VA) Copyright: 2003 The Daily Press Contact: http://www.dailypress.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/585 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts) HAMPTON'S DRUG COURT IS UP AND RUNNING Finally. It Enrolled Its First Two Addicts This Week. Kudos to the agencies and individuals who made it happen, contributing expertise, support, cash and in-kind assistance. They know drug court works: It's based on the rational premise that preventing crime by addicts depends on treating the underlying addiction. It gets at the root of the problem. Drug court demands a lot from participants, who are nonviolent drug offenders. If they want to stay out of jail, they have to stay clean, work, save money, support their families, take part in treatment and go to court frequently for status reports. And it gives a lot: the hope of a way out of the downward spiral of addiction. In a display of regional spirit, the Hampton and Newport News drug courts are being run jointly. That's smart, because it saves money. The local drug courts can make a difference in the community. Drug courts save money. They prevent crime. They deserve the support - moral and financial - of their city governments, as well as the state. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh