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.

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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.