|
Welcome
to the |
         |
|
With programming accredited by: |
|
|
|
|
Press Release
For Immediate Release:
May 30, 2006
Contact:
Judge Alison McCarty,
(330) 375-2611
Akron Municipal Drug Court Celebrates 11th Anniversary
Eleven years and more than 670 success stories later, it’s impossible to completely measure the positive change that’s been realized in the community as a result of Akron Municipal Drug Court. Since Akron Municipal Drug Court’s inception 11 years ago, 673 people have successfully completed the program. “Our community and criminal justice system are fortunate to have a program that has proven success of helping people take control of their lives and their addiction,” said Akron Municipal Judge Alison McCarty who is also the presiding judge of Drug Court. On Thursday, June 1, 2006, Akron Municipal Drug Court will hold a graduation ceremony at 11:00 a.m. in the auditorium of the Oliver Ocasek State Office Building, 161 S. High Street, Akron. Ten people are expected to graduate from the program and several past graduates will attend to show support. Drug Court is a specialty court given the responsibility to handle cases involving drug-using offenders through intensive judicial supervision, case management, mandatory substance abuse treatment and drug testing, and graduated sanctions and incentives. A minimum of one year’s participation is required of all offenders. Upon successful completion of the program, offenders have their case dismissed. According to Judge McCarty, the goals of Drug Court are to reduce recidivism, to reduce substance abuse among participants, and to rehabilitate participants. “When offenders complete the Drug Court program, incarceration costs are reduced or eliminated; the offender continues to earn wages and pay taxes; the substance-abuse problem is treated; and re-arrests decrease significantly,” Judge McCarty said. In order to be eligible for Akron Municipal’s Drug Court, an offender must meet the following criteria: no more than one prior felony conviction; no more than six prior contempt convictions; no previous arrest or conviction for drug trafficking or distribution of drugs; and no violent misdemeanant criminal history in the past five years or violent felony in the past 10 years. The arresting police department and prosecutor must also agree that the client is appropriate for the program. All drug offenders are screened by the Oriana House Admissions Department staff for program eligibility. Participants in the program are required to undergo frequent drug testing – initially 2-3 times a week; attend regular meetings with a case worker – initially 2-5 times a week; participate in mandatory treatment; and appear before Judge McCarty regularly. To graduate from Drug Court, an offender must complete all program requirements and test free of drugs and alcohol for a minimum of 90 days prior to program completion. “Drug Court is a tough program and that is why it works,” said Judge McCarty. “We keep a close eye on the participants and they know to expect immediate consequences for program violations,” said Judge McCarty. Consequences can include jail time. Akron Municipal Drug Court is one of more than 1,700 drug courts around the nation. Because drug court programs test defendants for drug use on a regular basis, the use of drugs by defendants is substantially lower than drug use reported by defendants in regular courts. Drug use by participants who graduate from drug court programs is eliminated altogether for most participants. By coordinating the efforts of numerous community agencies and resources, drug court is a very cost-effective alternative to incarcerating nonviolent drug offenders. On the national level, the theme for this year’s Drug Court recognition is Successful Partnerships for Recovery. “Our Drug Court is the epitome of partnerships, not only the partnerships between the drug court professionals and the clients, but the numerous entities involved in making our court a success,” said Judge McCarty. The Akron Municipal Drug Court is a collaborative effort between the Akron Police Department; the Akron Prosecutor’s Office; Oriana House; the Legal Defender Office; the Akron Municipal Probation Department; the County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board; Summit County Courts; and the Summit County Executive’s Office.
Editor’s Note: Individuals who have recently graduated from Drug Court and Drug Court alumni will be available for interviews with the media immediately following the graduation.