Pubdate: Mon, 09 Apr 2007
Source: Frederick News Post (MD)
Copyright: 2007 Randall Family, LLC.
Contact:  http://www.fredericknewspost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/814
Author: Katie Leckie

INAUGURAL PARTICIPANT GRADUATES DRUG COURT

FREDERICK -- Dwight Thompson's grown daughters cried in  Frederick
County Circuit Court as they realized their  father's decades of
cocaine use had come to an end.

Thompson's daughters and granddaughters were among  dozens gathered
Thursday to witness his graduation from  Frederick County Drug
Treatment Court.

The three-phase program is targeted toward helping  nonviolent adult
repeat offenders who have tried to  quit using drugs but failed.

"We got our dad back," Tameka Thompson said, choking  back sobs as she
rose from her front-row seat.

"He's been gone a long time. Now he's back in our  lives, and he's
back in the lives of our children," she  said, thanking drug court for
helping her father, 55,  kick his 20-year habit.

Thompson's graduation marked a milestone for the  founding members of
drug court, including judges,  prosecutors, defense attorneys and case
workers.

After drug court was launched two years ago, Thompson  was the first
person selected to enroll. He entered the  program May 27, 2005.

Thompson is the second participant to complete the  program; Minta
Floyd preceded him by about four months.

"This is a special day for all of us because you were  the first
person who entered Frederick County Drug  Treatment Court," said Judge
Julie Stevenson Solt.

"You are proof that, 'Yes, it can happen,'" Solt said.  "You can
actually graduate from drug court."

Of 36 participants, two have graduated and 29 are  making their way
through the program, said Paul  Wolford, drug court coordinator. Five
have been  expelled.

Referred to drug court by defense attorneys, treatment  programs and
district court judges, candidates are  limited to county residents
whose crimes occurred  locally.

To be accepted, participants must admit they have a  substance abuse
problem and be willing to comply with  intense treatment, supervision
and frequent drug  testing. Participants often are required to do
community service and must sign a contract that spells  out what is
expected of them.

Voluntarily enrolling in drug court means the defendant  admits guilt
and charges are not immediately  adjudicated. If the participant
completes the program,  the charges may be reduced. If not, the
criminal case  goes straight to sentencing.

Thompson stumbled throughout the process, failing to  keep
appointments, "basic hardheadedness," Wolford  said. "He wasn't
allowing our offers of help to sink  in.

"Eventually, he came around."

Thompson told the members of drug court he considered  them all
family. He thanked them for treating him like  a human being.

"Overcoming addiction is a struggle. It's hard," he  said. "But if I
can do it, anybody can."

Thompson's daughter, Sabrina Hoy, praised God and drug  court for
freeing her father from demons that have  plagued him throughout his
children's lives.

"With God's will behind him and your program, we'll  continue to be
blessed," Hoy said.

"I'm proud of you, Daddy," she said through tears.
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MAP posted-by: Steve Heath