Pubdate: Tue, 27 Jan 2004 Source: Clarion-Ledger, The (MS) Copyright: 2004 The Clarion-Ledger Contact: http://www.clarionledger.com/about/letters.html Website: http://www.clarionledger.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/805 Author: Associated Press Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts) FORREST DRUG COURT MARKS SUCCESSES Circuit Judge Uses Grant To Help Change Lives Of Abusers The successes of the Forrest County justice system over the past year is reflected in the faces of Helen Nicholson and Chad Harrison. The two, rather than ending up behind bars, joined 18 others to make up Circuit Judge Bob Helfrich's new Adult Drug Court. Helfrich meets with the 20 defendants he assigned to the program every Monday at noon. The state Legislature authorized drug courts but the operation was not funded. Helfrich was able to obtain a grant from Asbury Foundation to operate the court for three years. Harrison, 23, who violated probation with a drug arrest in Lamar County, said he was pleased last week to join other drug defendants. He now has to attend 30 meetings in 30 days. They can range from meetings with a counselor to attending alcoholic and narcotics meetings. Harrison said he has to get a job or look for one or be in school. He has to perform community service. "Your conduct will take you to jail or the grave," Helfrich told Harrison. "Yes sir, I know," Harrison said. "My family is behind me in this. I feel good. I've been clean 90 days. I know that drugs mess you up." Nicholson, 39, of Richton, considers drug court a blessing. "This is wonderful. As for the judge, I think he's wonderful." Helfrich meets and talks with every drug court participant. Some complain they can't find jobs. "How long has it been since you had a job?" Helfrich asked Marie Myers. "You mean a legal one?" she asked to the laughter of the group. Helfrich responded: "I want you all in the work force where they take out taxes to pay my salary." Helfrich said the court "can literally save people's lives if the community will give it a chance." "It's important because this program can put families back together and makes taxpaying citizens out of people, many of whom have never worked before." - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin