Strengthening and Promoting Drug Counts

Strengthening and Promoting Drug Courts
Rep. Boozman's Column for the Week of September 26, 2005

Speaking at his Homeland Security/DOJ Funding Seminar

Washington, Sep 26 - This month we observe National Alcohol and Drug Addictions Recovery Month. For sixteen years, this observance has reminded us the critical role that treatment plays in leading drug and alcohol abusers down the road to recovery. A growing component of this road is the work of drug courts.

The mission of the drug court program is to reduce the rate of recidivism and substance abuse among nonviolent adult and juvenile substance-abusing offenders. Drug courts effectively integrate substance abuse treatment, mandatory drug testing, sanctions, incentives and transitional services in a judicially supervised court setting with jurisdiction over nonviolent, substance-abusing offenders. This unique approach creates a balance of authority, supervision, support and encouragement, which are all critical to an addict's recovery.

The way the program works is that the offender is offered the opportunity to avoid prison in exchange for a commitment to the program that sets them on a path of personal responsibility and dedication to the community. The drug court program is rigorous and demanding. It requires frequent drug testing and court appearances combined with an intensive treatment and recovery program. Drug court participants must maintain gainful employment and participate in 12-Step or other self help groups. The program requires complete dedication to cleaning-up or the offender risks jail time if he or she fails to comply with the program.

In the Third District, the successes of drug courts in Sebastian County, Boone County and Washington County have proven drug courts to be an effective alternative to incarceration. Our local drug courts are intense and, because of that, they set participants on a path to becoming productive members of our community. Their approach should provide a blueprint for drug courts across the nation. For this reason, I have introduced the "Drug Courts Improvement Act," which will strengthen and improve the federal program that funds drug courts.

This act will empower the U.S. Attorney General to create specific guidelines for testing; ensure that testing is as accurate as possible; and require immediate and dramatic punitive sanctions and/or therapeutic measures when a participant fails a drug. The goal is to create uniformity in the drug testing policy, which will refocus drug courts across the nation on actual rehabilitation rates, rather than simply on re-arrest rates.

Another important provision in the bill will provide incentives for drug courts to educate students and the community regarding the seriousness of the nation's drug problems, including the methamphetamine epidemic. Inspired by Washington County Circuit Court Judge Mary Ann Gunn, the bill encourages drug court judges to hold their hearings in public places. Judge Gunn has gone to great lengths to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse by using non-traditional methods such as holding her court in local schools providing teenagers with a glimpse into the damaging effects that drugs can have had on many people's life. When operated in this manner, drug courts not only act as a way to rehabilitate, but also as a great educational tool.

Though the National Alcohol and Drug Addictions Recovery Month, only lasts for thirty-days a year, we should always be aware of the negative effects of drug addiction. With that awareness should come a commitment to helping addicts recover. Passing the "Drug Improvements Act" will show that commitment and help more people onto the road to recovery.

http://www.boozman.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=34827