Former Boxer Alphonso Bailey Tells Sycamore Students About Beating The Opponent Known As Drug Abuse Several Sycamore students recently had an opportunity to listen to an inspiring message. Former amateur and professional boxer Alphonso Bailey visited Sycamore High School on April 21 to talk to the students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and about the importance of following their dreams and accomplishing their goals. Bailey started his presentation by showing a clip of one of his boxing matches that was aired on the USA Network. He then talked to the students about his past experiences and how he overcame one of his toughest opponents, drug abuse. [continues 1125 words]
Editor's note: This is the second in a series of stories on drug courts and DeKalb County's efforts to establish one here. The concept of the drug court is relatively new. It represents a cooperative relationship between judges, law and probation officers, therapists, prosecutors and public defenders. One goal is to help individuals whose lives have been distorted and sidetracked by drug and alcohol use -- and to end the crimes they commit to feed their addictions. According to one proponent, "When it works, it turns people's lives around." [continues 661 words]
The following is the first in a three-part series on "drug courts" and DeKalb County's effort to start one. The criminal justice system is "just as insane" as some offenders it draws into its net. That's the opinion of Jim Meyer, a social worker who runs the 12-step addiction counseling program at DuPage County jail. Meyer also said DuPage runs "one of the better" drug courts in Illinois "because of the services they provide" and because the program is staffed by "great people who really want to help people. It's the best thing going in the criminal justice system." [continues 638 words]
