Pubdate: Wed, 22 Jun 2005
Source: Kansas City Star (MO)
Copyright: 2005 The Kansas City Star
Contact:  http://www.kcstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/221
Author: Glenn E. Rice

SECOND CHANCES

11 Graduate From Clay County Drug Treatment Program

Cheers and tears flowed Friday in the crowded Clay County Commission 
meeting room in Liberty as 11 persons graduated from the county's adult 
drug court program.

That brought the number of graduates to 23 since the program was launched 
three years ago. It allows minor offenders to avoid jail if they complete 
an intensive 18 to 24 months of drug treatment, counseling and job training.

I can now hold my head up high and be proud of who I am," said Kerry Smith, 
38, of Kansas City, North, who said that for several years he battled an 
addiction to methamphetamine. "Without this program, I would not be clean 
today."

As Smith told his story, several audience members, including family 
members, wiped away tears.

Afterward, Smith said it was important for others who might be battling an 
addiction to understand available resources can help them.

The first step is realizing that a life of addiction affects you and, more 
importantly, those around you," he said.

The program is financed by a combination of local money and state and 
federal grants. Jackson County's adult drug court started in 1993 and has 
graduated 1,176 persons. Under the Clay County program, participants 
undergo frequent urine tests, and groups of them often report to a judge, 
who praises or threatens them as is deemed appropriate.

Prosecutors drop charges if members complete the treatment, counseling and 
job training. Those who leave the program must return to court and face 
their original charges.

On Friday, drug court Judge A. Rex Gabbert handed each graduate a framed 
certificate of completion, and Missouri Supreme Court Justice Mary Rhodes 
Russell shook their hands before an audience of families, politicians and 
officials.

Russell told the graduates their efforts to remain sober and drug-free 
would give them a new beginning.

You should be commended for changing destructive behavior into constructive 
behavior," Russell said.

Clay County Prosecutor Dan White congratulated the graduates but was quick 
to remind them to avoid the many temptations that lay ahead. White said it 
would have been easier for many of them to go to jail rather than face the 
difficult task of battling their addiction.

It's a great day for you to go out and put what you have learned to work," 
White said. "As a graduate of this program, you are something to look upon 
in a positive light."

Presiding Commissioner Carol McCaslin told the graduates to make good use 
of their second opportunity to be productive and responsible citizens.

Second chances are rare and valuable," McCaslin said.
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MAP posted-by: Beth