Maui TV News reports on A&B Foundation's generous grant

The story is about 18 minutes into the video.

Mahalo to Maui TV News!

Friends of the Maui Drug Court Receives $2,000 From Bank of Hawaii

For Immediate Release: December 9, 2008

Contact: Friends of the Maui Drug Court friendsmauidrugcourt@gmail.com

Friends of the Maui Drug Court Receives $2,000 From Bank of Hawaii

KAHULUI, Hawai`i – Friends of the Maui Drug Court has received a $2,000 donation from the Bank of Hawaii Charitable Foundation to support its services to Drug Court clients, FMDC President S. Larry Schlesinger, M.D., announced today.

Schlesinger and FMDC Administrative Assistant David Raatz received the grant from Kevin Baptist, Bank of Hawaii's Senior Vice President and Maui Region and Island Manger, in a ceremony at Bankoh's Wailuku branch last month.

"We are grateful for this significant grant from the Bank of Hawaii Charitable Foundation," Schlesinger said. "This donation provides important operational support to FMDC, allowing us to efficiently fulfill our mission of helping the Drug Court break the cycle of substance abuse and crime in Maui County."

The Maui/Molokai Drug Court provides a continuum of intervention, treatment and prevention programs aimed at reducing substance abuse and its devastating impact on Maui County families and community resources. The Drug Court provides non-violent offenders an opportunity to avoid or minimize incarceration upon completion of an intensive, judicially supervised substance abuse treatment program.

Since the Drug Court commenced operations in 2000, FMDC has provided critical ancillary services to support the rehabilitation of Drug Court clients, including milestone awards, medical and dental treatment and child care. Nearly 300 former defendants have graduated from the Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court.

More information about Friends of the Maui Drug Court and the Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court is available at http://mauidrugcourt.info/.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured from left to right:

Dr. S. Larry Schlesinger, President, Friends of the Maui Drug Court; Kevin Baptist, Bank of Hawaii – Senior Vice President and Maui Region and Island Manager; David Raatz,Administrative Assistant, Friends of the Maui Drug Court.

NFL player Matt Jones commits to success in drug court

"Drug court program reunites parents with children"

From Saturday's Shreveport (La.) Times:

Caddo started its Family Drug Court program about four years ago.

"There was just a need for it," said Linda Van Zile, court coordinator. "In 80 percent or so of abuse cases, there are drugs involved."

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse estimates substance abuse contributes to up to 70 percent of child maltreatment cases.

"Treatment needs community support"

From Thursday's edition of The News-Review in Roseburg, Oregon:

Drug court, which helps non-violent drug offenders across the country commit to rigorous treatment in lieu of prison, has reduced to less than 10 percent relapses into criminal behavior by addicts.

Friends of the Maui Drug Court awarded $5,000 grant by Alexander & Baldwin Foundation

For Immediate Release: December 1, 2008

Contact: Friends of the Maui Drug Court friendsmauidrugcourt@gmail.com

Friends of the Maui Drug Court awarded $5,000 grant by Alexander & Baldwin Foundation

KAHULUI, Hawai`i – Friends of the Maui Drug Court has received a $5,000 grant from the Alexander & Baldwin Foundation, FMDC President S. Larry Schlesinger, M.D., announced today.

FMDC was founded in 1998 to advocate for the creation of a Drug Court within the State of Hawai`i's Second Circuit Court, based in Wailuku. The Drug Court model, which was initiated in Miami-Dade County, Fla., in 1989, provides non-violent offenders an opportunity to avoid or minimize incarceration upon completion of an intensive, judicially supervised substance abuse treatment program.

As a result of FMDC's advocacy, the Drug Court commenced operations in 2000. Since then, FMDC's mission has been to provide critical ancillary services to support the rehabilitation of Drug Court clients, including milestone awards, medical and dental treatment and child care. Nearly 300 former defendants have graduated from the Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court.

"This major donation from the A&B Foundation will enable the Friends of the Maui Drug Court to provide critically important milestone awards and other support to Drug Court clients at key points in their recovery, including at Drug Court graduation," Schlesinger said. "This grant is the fifth provided to FMDC in the last decade. We are deeply grateful to the A&B Foundation for its steadfast backing of our effort to end the cycle of substance abuse and crime in Maui County."

The A&B Foundation is funded by the business activities of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. and its subsidiaries. On Maui, those subsidiaries include Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company (HC&S)/Maui Brand Sugar; East Maui Irrigation Company (EMI); Kahului Trucking & Storage Company; A&B Properties, Inc.; A&B Wailea LLC; and Matson Navigation Company.

In a letter to Schlesinger announcing the award, Stephen Holaday and Meredith J. Ching of the A&B Foundation stated: "It is a pleasure to be among your supporters, knowing that our funding will enable the Friends of the Maui Drug Court to support participants in their efforts to achieve a drug-free lifestyle." Ching is the A&B Foundation's president; Holaday, of HC&S, is a board member.

Chartered in 1992, the A&B Foundation has strived to provide a broad program of support in many areas of importance to the community, including the field of health and human services. A&B Foundation grant applications and annual reports are available at http://www.alexanderbaldwinfoundation.org/.

More information about Friends of the Maui Drug Court and the Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court is available at http://mauidrugcourt.info/.

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Today's Honolulu Advertiser editorial: "Drug courts: Smart, cost-effective judicial alternative"

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20081110/OPINION01/811100309/1105

Every county has a version of the drug court system, which puts qualified nonviolent drug users through a program of intensive hands-on treatment, backed up by a judge who typically uses a program of swift punishments for missteps and rewards for positive progress to keep the offenders on track.

And it works. On O'ahu, 46 of the 49 clients who graduated in 2007 remained conviction-free more than a year later. Neighbor Island drug courts report similar high rates of success.

* * *

Developing useful alternatives to prison is becoming a trend. By the end of this year, the U.S. Sentencing Commission plans to amend its guidelines to persuade Congress to ease up on federal mandatory minimum-sentencing laws.

Hawai'i's policy-makers should support the trend. So should the private sector, which can support the program through its nonprofit support groups, such as Friends of Drug Court.

Clearly it's a sound investment. Rescuing someone from the horrors of drug abuse is not only the right thing to do for that individual, it has a collective societal benefit as well.

"Drug Court Kudos (and some comments)"

From yesterday's St. Clair News Aegis in Alabama:

Last Friday morning my wife and I attended the graduation of the first class from St. Clair County Drug Court.

Drug Court represents a combined effort of justice and treatment professionals to vigorously intercede in an attempt to break the cycle of substance abuse, addiction and crime.

* * *

As recidivism rates for offenders who have graduated from drug courts have been consistently proven to be lower than recidivism rates of offenders who did not take part in a drug court program we should all actively support the program.

It was moving to hear the testimony of the drug court graduates, to see the pride and conviction on their faces and in their voices. It was also an inspiration to see the many leaders of St. Clair County rejoice in these, our neighbors’ success.

"Establishment of drugs court still under discussion in Malta"

The drug court movement is spreading throughout the world, as noted in today's Malta Independent:

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=77976

The Republic of Malta is a small Mediterranean country:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malta

Congratulations to the Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court's 24th graduating class!

The Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court's 24th commencement ceremony was conducted yesterday at Second Circuit Court, with Chief Judge Shackley Raffetto presiding.

Congratulations to the 13 new graduates!

• Felicisimo Allado
• Dirk Brace
• Mililani Gamurot
• Koiku Hubin
• Edwin Ibuos
• Kahaio Koko
• Larry Kawai
• Danielle Kinnan
• Rafael Lovato
• Jon McGrath
• Andrew Manegdeg
• Ronnie Sialana
• Eric Sodetani

Each of the graduates gave inspiring talks. There was not a dry eye in the house!

The following prominent members of the community also gave excellent speeches:

• Kevin Block, Assistant Director of the MEO-BEST Integration Program
• Brandi Corpuz, MCC Reach for Your Dream Program
• Judge Joseph E. Cardoza, Second Circuit Court

Congratulations to all the graduates, Drug Court and Aloha House staff members, and speakers!

Friends of the Maui Drug Court is proud to sponsor the commencement ceremonies. We thank our donors for making this possible!

Mahalo to everyone who supported the fundraiser and silent auction on Aug. 26!

Friends of the Maui Drug Court raised $855 at Flatbread Company in Pa`ia on Aug. 26!

Generous donors included Konrad's Ship Galley, Kapalua Resort, Dr. & Mrs. Larry Schlesinger, Jo Anne Johnson, and, in memory of Kyle Pestana, ABBA Machinery.

Mahalo!

"By Successfully Completing The Drug Rehab Program, Offenders Can Avoid Incarceration"

From Nikki Espinal's blog regarding Texas drug courts yesterday:

Harris County' s Success Through Addiction Recovery( STAR) adult drug court program addresses" high needs" individuals, so - called because of their extensive substance abuse and criminal histories - people who live vicariously and are especially prone to relapse.

By successfully completing the drug rehab program, offenders can avoid incarceration. - according to the foundation' s web site, drug courts in dallas saved$ 43 for every$ 1 spent. Drug courts across the country, more than 2000 of them now with hundreds more planned, result in tremendous savings to taxpayers by reducing the costs of recidivism and more crime, the judicial system, health care, child support and other areas.

"Drug court offers users a second chance"

From today's Rapid City (S.D.) Journal on the new Meade County Drug Court:

The participants in the program are varied, but all have one thing in
common: substance abuse. One is coming off a 4.0 grade-point-average semester at a local university just a year after living in her car. Another has been a sober and productive member of society for the past two years since staring at 12 years of hard time.

Participants are sent to drug court on the recommendation of the state’s attorney and by the discretion of the judge.

Candidates must be considered drug addicts and cannot be admitted into drug court if they have violent crimes in their past.

Once in the program, their lives are intensively scrutinized, strictly
monitored and highly directed. If participants progress, they can earn rewards, which may include reduced scrutiny, more individual choices and, ultimately, graduation from the program, as one individual did Friday.

Friends of the Maui Drug Court announces list of items for Tuesday night's silent auction in Pa`ia

For Immediate Release: August 24, 2008

Contact:
Friends of the Maui Drug Court
friendsmauidrugcourt@gmail.com

Friends of the Maui Drug Court announces list of items for Tuesday night's silent auction in Pa`ia

PA`IA, Hawai`i - Friends of the Maui Drug Court expresses gratitude to generous donors and announces the following partial list of items for its silent auction at Flatbread Company here on Tuesday night:

- Two complimentary rounds of golf donated by Kapalua Resort.
- A large model ship donated by Konrad's Ship Gallery.
- A gift certificate for dinner at Mala Ocean Tavern donated by Jo Anne Johnson.
- A $25 NAPA Auto Parts gift certificate donated by ABBA Machinery in memory of Kyle Pestana.
- The complete first seasons of "Without a Trace," "NCIS" and "CSI: Miami" on DVD donated anonymously.
- Two passes to the Old Lahaina Luau donated by Dr. & Mrs. S. Larry Schlesinger.
- Eight hundred sheets of premium mulitipurpose office paper donated anonymously.
- A gift certificate for dinner at Flatbread Company donated by Flatbread Company.
- A 25-pound bag of brown rice donated anonymously.

In addition to revenue from the silent auction, Friends of the Maui Drug Court will receive a portion of the proceeds from all pizza sales at Flatbread Company, 89 Hana Highway, from 5 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

Friends of the Maui Drug Court is an IRS 501(c)(3) organization devoted to supporting the Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court's efforts to break the cycle of substance abuse and crime in Maui County. Drug Court provides non-violent offenders the opportunity to avoid or minimize incarceration upon completion of an intensive, judicially supervised substance abuse treatment program.

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Friends of the Maui Drug Court awarded $5,000 grant by Dowling Community Improvement Foundation

For Immediate Release: August 20, 2008

Contact: Friends of the Maui Drug Court friendsmauidrugcourt@gmail.com

Friends of the Maui Drug Court awarded $5,000 grant by Dowling Community Improvement Foundation

WAILUKU, Hawai`i – Friends of the Maui Drug Court has received a $5,000 grant from the Dowling Community Improvement Foundation, FMDC President S. Larry Schlesinger, M.D., announced today.

FMDC was founded in 1998 to advocate for the creation of a Drug Court within the State of Hawai`i's Second Circuit Court, based in Wailuku. The Drug Court model, which was initiated in Miami-Dade County, Fla., in 1989, provides non-violent offenders an opportunity to avoid or minimize incarceration upon completion of an intensive, judicially supervised substance abuse treatment program.

As a result of FMDC's advocacy, the Drug Court commenced operations in 2000. Since then, FMDC's mission has been to provide critical ancillary services to support the rehabilitation of Drug Court clients, including milestone awards, medical and dental treatment and child care. Two hundred seventy former defendants have graduated from the Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court.

"We thank the Dowling Community Improvement Foundation for its support of Friends of the Maui Drug Court as we continue to help the Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court break the cycle of substance abuse and crime in Maui County," Dr. Schlesinger said. "Drug Court is a highly cost-efficient program. It is gratifying that prominent community members recognize the importance of effectively addressing the problems of substance abuse and crime by providing significant financial assistance."

Since its inception three years ago, the Dowling Community Improvement Foundation has donated more than $2.6 million to Maui community organizations. Grant applications are available at http://www.dowlingco.com/.

More information about Friends of the Maui Drug Court and the Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court is available at http://mauidrugcourt.info/.

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Watch Drug Court Judge Shackley Raffetto on TV this Wednesday!

Watch Akaku Channel 53 at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13.

Judge Raffetto, recent Drug Court graduate Carly Werner, and others will join host Alan Arakawa on "Reality Check" for a discussion about the Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court.

Guam Drug Court might look to the past

SINCE the creation of the Drug Court program in 2005, drug offenders who successfully complete the program are not only given a graduation ce

Sen. BJ Cruz

remony, but their charges are dismissed and conviction expunged, giving rise to Senator Benjamin J. F. Cruz's suggestion that the Judiciary might consider assisting those individuals who went through the system before the Drug Court was created and implementing a program for pre-Drug Court defendants who are currently unemployed or underemployed because of their prior convictions.

Drug Court lauded for helping clients beat tobacco addiction

From a letter in today's Maui News:

Maui Drug Court strongly encourages its clients to kick the habit of a legal drug, tobacco. Anyone familiar with addiction knows that tobacco is our society's No. 1 gateway drug and a powerful relapse trigger for those trying to stay drug-free.

* * *

I commend Maui Drug Court for its enlightened action on tobacco. I wish Drug Court clients kicking the tobacco habit the best. Life in all areas, including financial, will improve dramatically without using our society's most lethal drug, tobacco.

Donations sought for Friends of the Maui Drug Court silent auction

Aloha,

Friends of the Maui Drug Court is seeking tax-deductible donations of goods and services for a silent auction to be conducted at Flatbread Pizza Company in Pa`ia from 5 to 10 p.m. on Aug. 26, 2008.

Friends of the Maui Drug Court is the IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court's efforts to break the cycle of substance abuse and crime in Maui County.

Donors will be recognized at the Aug. 26 event, in a press release, and on the Friends of the Maui Drug Court website and blog.

Donations should be accompanied by a letter describing the goods or services, stating their value, and advising of any special considerations.

Donations may be mailed to Friends of the Maui Drug Court, or staff can pick them up (e-mail friendsmauidrugcourt@gmail.com to arrange a pickup). The mailing address is 33 Lono Ave., Ste. 300, Kahului HI 96732. Donations should be received by Aug. 18.

Thank you for your consideration.

"Drug court makes connections, changes lives"

That's the story from yesterday's Iowa City Gazzette, reporting on the success of the year-old Linn County Drug Court.

Mahalo to Maui Quarantine Fund!

As reported by the Maui Weekly, the Maui Quarantine Fund has awarded a $15,000 to Friends of the Maui Drug Court. Mahalo nui loa!

Kings County (Calif.) commits to drug court

From the Hanford Sentinel blogs:

What is leadership anyway?

For me, the word evokes the image of what transpired inside the Kings County Supervisors Chambers the other day. Last Tuesday, a group of some 40 people representing faith groups, mental health workers, public health officials, law enforcement who are all part of Kings Partnership for Prevention, a community-based coalition dedicated to prevent drugs, alcohol and other related issues. They were there to send a message to the county leaders. A message that drug addiction, mainly due to methamphetamine, is at an epidemic proportion, and not enough is done to address it.

The group ended up persuading the board to commit itself, too, in a fight against meth by adopting a resolution to work toward creating a comprehensive drug court — a significant victory for the community.

Informative video on the success of the Greater Cleveland Drug Court

Well worth the 10 minutes and 39 seconds:

"Drug Court changes lives"

From The Journal News (N.Y.):

When "Stan" entered the White Plains Drug Court program in 2004, "he was a disheveled, emaciated heroin addict from the jail cells and streets of White Plains," City Judge JoAnn Friia recalled.

"I don't think he'd been sober for one day in his entire adult life," she said. "We had to send him to detox for six months, just to get him well enough to participate in the program. We told him that if he didn't do this, he would die."

By the time he graduated from Drug Court in 2006, after 29 months of rehab, counseling and meeting the goals and requirements set by a team that included prosecution and defense lawyers, case coordinators and treatment representatives, Stan - his real name is George Brunner - had returned to college and turned his life around.

Two years later, he has graduated with high honors from Westchester Community College, where he served as student body president. He recently received a scholarship to George Washington University, where he plans to study political science and then pursue a law degree.

Judges in Ohio county unanimously vote to initiate drug court

From the Cleveland Plain-Dealer:

"We are not going to be soft on crime," (Cuyahoga County) Court Administrator and former Common Pleas Judge Tom Pokorny said. "We are going to be smart on crime."

California drug court graduates seek work: "Employess in Waiting"

From the Riverside Press-Enterprise:

If society is to break the revolving door of crime and incarceration, former offenders need to be put to work.

* * *

(Former drug-court judge Pat) Morris had walked the two-and-a-half block line of job applicants, shaking hands and offering words of encouragement -- the same kind of positive reinforcement he gave in his drug court to offenders for staying sober, getting jobs and pursuing education.

In fact, Morris said later, he recognized many from his drug court. Some had been sober for 10 years, and were dressed in their best attire, eager to put their best foot forward.

"Given the number who showed up, it's a stunning declaration of the need for second chances for these folks," Morris told me later in a telephone interview.

"They want to work," he said. . . .

Mahalo to Dowling Community Improvement Foundation!

Dowling Community Improvement Foundation has generously provided a $5,000 grant to Friends of the Maui Drug Court!

Save the date: fundraiser in Pa`ia on Aug. 26

Friends of the Maui Drug Court will be having a fundraiser at Flatbread Pizza Company in Pa`ia during the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 26.

More details to follow later.

"Study: Drug courts could reduce prison population"

From the Missourian:

It would cost the United States $14 billion to create a national network of drug courts to steer criminals into addiction treatment rather than prison. But the investment could ultimately save the public $46 billion over the long run, according to a study released here Friday.

"Miguel Angel Garcia Helps to Honor Drug Court Graduates"

From the Ventura County (Calif.) Star:


Miguel Angel Garcia (photo by Manuel Herrera/Ventura County Star)

Miguel Angel Garcia of La Colonia/PAL Boxing Club in Oxnard may be a future star in the boxing World but he already knows the value of giving back to his community. On May 27th Miguel was invited to be a guest speaker at the eighth annual recognition ceremony for Ventura County graduates of the Juvenile and Dependency Drug Court. The ceremony was held at the Hall of Justice at the Ventura County Government center and was presided by Supervising Juvenile Judge Donald Coleman and Judge Tari Cody. Miguel was an excellent choice as a guest speaker in that he is a graduate of Pacifica High School in Oxnard with a a 3.8 grade-point average and is currently a Deans list student at Oxnard College.

"Drug Courts: Personal Stories"

State Judiciary Seeks Drug Court Substance Abuse Counselors

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/hawaiijud/

"Maui Drug Court Uses Smoking Cessation To Fight Drug Addiction"

This is from the Nov. 2005 issue of Maui Tobacco-Free News, but the information is still current and relevant:

When Barbara-Ann Keller, Administrator of the Maui Drug Court, learned that client attempts to quit smoking were often met with the pressure to join other clients for “smoke breaks,” and that counseling sessions regularly occurred over a smoldering ashtray, Keller began what would become a system-wide change in the Maui Drug Court.

The very next day, smoke-free counseling sessions were in place, and in the coming months, Keller planted the seeds for what is now a thriving addictions treatment program that takes tobacco and nicotine addiction seriously.

With statistics that show drug addicts are 50 percent more likely to stay clean long term if they are not also addicted to nicotine, Keller utilized widely available smoking cessation resources to see if Maui Drug Court could become even more effective in treating addiction.

"Drug Court more effective, less costly than prison"

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/503111.html?nav=18

Congratulations to Drug Court graduates

Aloha,

Friends of the Maui Drug Court offers heartfelt congratulations to the following graduates of the Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court program, all of whom were honored for their accomplishments at the commencement ceremony held at the Second Circuit Courthouse yesterday (April 24):

- Elery Akoi

- Kekaihalai Avilez

- Richard Baisa

- Clayton J.K. Bal

- Heather English

- Peter Feliciano

- Patrick Kaupe

- Raygene Keala

Yesterday's event was the 22nd commencement ceremony since the Drug Court began its work in 2000. The ceremony featured guest speakers Nita Gage (Clinical Director of Aloha House) and TV and film star Branscombe Richmond.

Chief Judge Shackley Raffetto presided over the ceremony, and Circuit Court Judges Joseph Cardoza and Richard Bissen also assisted with presentations to the graduates. Other participants included Deputy Prosecuting Attorney John Kim, Deputy Public Defender Ed Menor, Armon Tavares (Program Director of Aloha House), Leslie Maeda (Clinical Supervisor of the Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court), and MC Klinton Kamiya.

Friends of the Maui Drug Court also wishes to remind community members that the organization is honored to be the featured charity at next week's First Friday Wailuku event, as detailed in this press release issued last week:


For Immediate Release:
April 18, 2008

Contact:
Bob Horcajo
bob@livemaui.com
808.244.4000

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawai`i -- Friends of the Maui Drug Court will be the featured charity at the next First Friday Wailuku celebration on May 2, Bob Horcajo of Kama`aina Properties, Inc. announced today.

Since 2000, the Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court has been working to break the cycle of substance abuse, crime and recidivism in Maui County. Drug Court provides non-violent offenders an opportunity to avoid or minimize incarceration upon successful completion of an intensive substance abuse treatment program.

Drug Court graduates have a dramatically lower recidivism rate than the rest of the criminal population, making the Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court a highly cost-efficient program. Friends of the Maui Drug Court (FMDC) supports the Drug Court by raising and disbursing funds to provide services to Drug Court clients and graduates and to provide training to Drug Court professionals.

From 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. on May 2, Drug Court professionals and FMDC representatives will be available at the office of Kama`aina Properties, Inc., at the corner of Market and Main Sts. in Wailuku, to talk to visitors about the work of the Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court. Tax-deductible contributions to FMDC will be welcomed.

The Wailuku Community Association, in conjunction with Tri-Isle Main Street Resource Center, established First Friday Wailuku to display historic Wailuku Town's artistic, cultural, culinary and retail offerings. First Friday Wailuku is supported by the County of Maui's Product Enrichment Program.

FMDC's founding and current president is S. Larry Schlesinger, M.D. Other officers and board members include Kevin Kunz, M.D., Arlene Uchigakiuchi of Mutual Underwriters, James Hirano of Maui Community Correctional Center, State Sen. J. Kalani English and attorneys Randall Endo, Kirstin Hamman and Donald Guzman.

Drug Court graduation ceremonies are scheduled for April 24 on Maui and April 28 on Moloka`i. May is National Drug Court Month, and May 2 is the last day of Law Week.

The Honorable Shackley F. Raffetto is the founding and current Drug Court Judge for the Second Circuit Court, based in Wailuku. Barbara-Ann Keller, M.S.W., is the Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court Administrator.

FMDC is supported by grants from the Maui Quarantine Fund and the Crystal Meth Initiative, both administered by the Hawai`i Community Foundation. More information about the Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court is available at http://mauidrugcourt.info/.

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Links to a few other organizations that support drug courts

Thurston County (Wash.) Community Drug Court Foundation

Drug Court Foundation of Harris County (Tex.)

Drug Court Foundation of Orange County (Calif.)

Friends of Miami-Dade County Drug Court

"The Second Chance Act: A First Step Forward to Curb Recidivism"

http://www.alternet.org/rights/81512/

Colorado newspaper endorses drug court

From the Craig Daily Press:

We see too many people caught up in the cycle of substance abuse, too many people who make their way through the legal system again and again.

"Drug court is not just about beating drugs, it's about accepting responsibility."

From the Daily Record in Ellensburg, Washington:

Drug court's rules are straightforward: Stay sober, complete drug court and your charges are dropped. The effects are profound.

Broward County (Fla.) Drug Court is in trouble

That's according to the Justice Building blog:

http://justicebuilding.blogspot.com/2008/03/crisis-state-cuts-court-budgets.html

Update:

Confirmation from The Miami Herald:

Said Broward Circuit Judge Marcia Beach, who oversees Drug Court in Fort Lauderdale: ". . . Without addiction treatment, we better be ready to build more jails and prisons. This is turning the clock back."

"Can Drug Court Help My Daughter?"

A concerned mom seeks guidance:

My Child is an Addict

Drug court a better investment than prison

From the Drug Rehab Referral blog:

Not your usual courtroom scene - families, laughter, beaming smiles on all, this day in court celebrates the most recent 25 graduates from drug court. Many of these families - including that of Pamela Erlston who had been battling drug addiction for 27 years and lost her children because of it - are reunited and looking forward to a bright future as a fully functional family thanks to the California drug rehab programs they did through drug court. Pamela was in rehab for a year - the longest she’s ever been clean - and was accompanied by her husband and children when she attended court.

The other great thing about drug court is that it is cheaper for the state to put someone through drug rehab than it is to keep them in prison - where they’re not going to really get much help at all.

This is the just the kind of courtroom drama we need.

Upcoming Maui/Moloka`i Drug Court graduation ceremonies

Thursday, April 24th at 1:30 p.m. on Maui

Monday, April 28th at 9:30 a.m. on Moloka`i (first graduation for Moloka`i clients)

Thursday, July 24th at 1:30 p.m. on Maui

Thursday, October 23rd at 1:30 p.m. on Maui

After only two months, Kentucky drug court providing dividends

From the March 21 State-Journal:

Franklin County's drug court that started two months ago is making progress in helping participants kick their addictions and get their lives back on track, officials say.

TV news report from Nebraska: "Drug court helps transform lives"

From KHAS-TV on March 21:

It was a special graduation ceremony Friday in Grand Island - not high school or even college. This ceremony is for people who have been in trouble with the law and battling drugs.

The Central Nebraska Drug Court has been helping people with addictions maintain sobriety and strengthen community involvement for nearly 7 years.

Photographer wins award for documenting drug court client's travails

From the March 4 Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader:

The 65th annual Pictures of the Year International competition announced Monday that Herald-Leader staff photographer David Stephenson won First Place for Best Multimedia, with his entry A New Dawn.

The multi-part audio slide show follows the struggle of Dawn Smith through Fayette County's Drug Court over nearly a four year period. The story was published in the Herald-Leader in a six part series last October. The multimedia project ran on Kentucky.com at the same time the story was published in the paper.

The project can still be seen at: www.heraldleaderphoto.com/2007/10/14/a-new-dawn/.

"Court program helps drug offenders straighten out"

More news from Illinois:

“We have a sensational success rate, which can partially be attributed to the length and thoroughness of the program,” said Julie McCabe-Sterr, drug coordinator for the Will County state’s attorney’s office.

“The longer the period of sobriety, the better the chance of success,” she said. “This is a very intense program that includes regular supervision and support.”

Since the program was initiated, McCabe-Sterr said only 8 percent of participants have reverted to drugs.

"Drug court grad rescues abandoned pets"

News from Illinois:

Jeff Seafler didn’t need long to think about whether he wanted to take on getting donations for pets left homeless after their owners’ drug arrests, or animals that were abandoned for other reasons, too.

Seafler is set to graduate from Coles County’s drug court program next month and needed a public service project. As it turned out, the Coles County Meth Awareness Coalition was looking for a way to help animals, and coalition President Ke’an Rogers approached him about doing it.

“I liked it the minute she mentioned it,” Seafler said. “I’m an animal lover myself.”

"Drug court proves its worth"

From today's Daily Telegram (of Superior, Wisc.):

Until he saw it in action, Barron County (Wisc.) Circuit Court Judge Jim Babler was skeptical that drug court could work. Six months ago he took over the county’s drug court caseload. Today, the judge is a believer.

“I think every county should have drug court,” he said. “It really is a benefit to the whole community.”

Legislature accepting comments on Grant-In-Aid applications

Here's a directory of all of the State Grant-In-Aid applications:

http://capitol.hawaii.gov/session2008/house/gia/

And here's a direct link to Friends of the Maui Drug Court's application:

http://capitol.hawaii.gov/session2008/house/gia/FriendsoftheMauiDrugCourtOP.pdf

Comments on Grant-In-Aid applications may be e-mailed to the following address:

GIAcomments@capitol.hawaii.gov

"The burden of prisons becoming too costly"

From an editorial in today's Advertiser:

Hawai'i has seen the same growth trend. The inmate population rose from 926 in 1980 to 6,045 in 2007.

Our prisons are so overcrowded that we've turned to shipping more than 2,000 of our inmates to Mainland facilities. At roughly $50 million a year, that solution is cheaper, and apparently more politically palatable, than building space for them at home.

To help solve this problem, policies need to be re-examined to divert more non-violent offenders away from prison. This should include more and better treatment options for drug offenders, providing more effective ways to integrate them back into the community.

The Community Safety Act of 2007 is a good start. It directs the Department of Public Safety to develop a system to help inmates prepare for a successful return to society.

Drug Court housing crisis

From Friday's Maui News:

Drug Court leaders (are) concerned about where to find clean-and-sober housing for clients who don’t have a home or can’t go back to their families.

“Not to have the housing for them is an extreme challenge for us,” said 2nd Circuit Judge Shackley Raffetto, who set up the Maui program and serves as its administrative judge.

. . .

“It’s absolutely essential to have clean-and-sober housing . . . if we expect them to have a real opportunity for recovery,” Raffetto said.

Graduation!

From today's Maui News:

Eight former defendants dealing with drug addiction earned the right to be back in their communities Thursday after graduating from the Maui/Molokai Drug Court program.

The graduates were recognized in a ceremony held in 2nd Circuit Court, with participating Judges Shackley Raffetto, Joseph Cardoza, Joel August and Keith Tanaka.

"Drug Court Grant Receives a 50% Increase in Funding"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 7, 2008

Drug Court Grant Receives a 50% Increase in Funding
Work of drug court professionals ensures increase!

Washington, D.C. – The DOJ Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program received a 50% increase in funding for FY08. “This represents the most substantial increase in federal drug court funding in the past six years!” said West Huddleston, CEO of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. “Although this is not the $40 million we fought all year for on Capitol Hill, in this political environment this is a victory that every drug court professional should be proud of.” Huddleston continued. “Make no mistake. We received a 50% increase in funding because drug court professionals made their voices heard like never before in our history. We have restored broad bi-partisan support for the program and we will capitalize on that momentum to take drug courts to scale in 2009.”

The President signed into law a consolidated fiscal year 2008 spending bill for the federal government after much debate and negotiation with the Congress. Earlier in the year, the House and Senate passed spending bills in excess of the President’s request. With a Presidential veto looming, the Congress in early December went back to the drawing board to determine how to address a $23 billion difference. By-in-large the Congress decided to fund domestic programs slightly below the fiscal year 2007 level while maintaining several domestic priorities. Drug courts were among only a handful of domestic priorities that saw an increase. The measure provides $15.2 million for drug courts; a 50% increase over the $10 million that was appropriated in fiscal year 2006 and 2007, and restores the funding that was zeroed out by the Administration for fiscal year 2008.

Though historically receiving an average $40 million appropriation through the DOJ discretionary grant program, drug court funding suffered deep cuts in FY2006, falling 75% to $10 million, which was carried over in the Continuing Resolution for FY2007. The House and Senate restored the $40 million earlier in the year. However, during the final negotiation the Appropriators went back to the fiscal year 2007 funding levels to compromise with the Administration on the overall package.

About NADCP

The National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) and the National Drug Court Institute (NDCI) are responsible for advocacy, training, research and scholarship on behalf of drug courts nationwide. With more than 1,900 drug courts nationwide, and 500 more in planning stages, drug courts have experienced phenomenal success and tremendous growth by reducing substance abuse, crime and recidivism. Since 1994, NADCP has represented over 20,000 judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, treatment providers and rehabilitation experts, law enforcement and corrections personnel, educators, researchers and community leaders.

In February 2005, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report confirming that drug courts are an effective tool in reducing substance abuse and related crime. Last year, states reported nearly 20,000 graduates from drug courts nationally, and at least 840 drug-free babies were born to drug court clients. More than 70,000 individuals are currently being served by drug court programs.

For more information, visit http://www.nadcp.org/.

Contact: Jennifer Columbel
703-575-9400, ext 14/cell 703-731-0966
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