DRUG COURT GIVES NONVIOLENT OFFENDERS A SECOND CHANCE

Everybody doesn't get a pat on the back, and Thursday one participant
in Drug Court was sent to jail for a week.

He had not advised his counselors that he was sick with an abscessed
tooth and could not make a session.

And it was the third infraction in a couple of months, the program's
coordinators said.

He'll be brought back before Judge Raymond Eubanks on Thursday.

Participants are wrapped in confidentiality because their drug
offenses do not include acts of violence.

For those who take the initiative, the second chance is there to
avoid prison and turn their lives around, said Eubanks, the county's
probate judge.

Once a week, Eubanks changes roles and presides over Drug Court,
which is not an adversarial session, he explained. Participants tell
the judge what they have done in the last week. He offers words of
encouragement or has to dole out punishment.

He receives no pay for it. "Success stories make it worth my time," he said.

One of 28 participants in the 1- year-old program delivered a baby 10
weeks ago. She was addicted to drugs but has had negative tests since
joining in September.

"I have three daughters I will never be able to see because of my
drug addiction," the young woman said.

With difficulty, she was able to control her tears and continue.
"Through the Drug Court I have learned to manage my home. If not for
the program I would be in prison and have another child I would never
see," she said.

Other stories varied from a man addicted to cocaine, which took over
his life 15 years ago. He admitted the program is strict and requires
discipline. "I had a relapse the first month and tried to lie about
it, but Judge Eubanks straightened me out," he said.

One man admitted he had regained his family of three children since
joining 12 weeks ago. "I have seen that the values my parents tried
to instill in me do work. I've found order and a peace of mind," he
said.

For another member, learning how to live when she became drug free
was a challenge.

"I had a rocky start in the program after joining last August. I
wanted to stop doing drugs but didn't know how. This has saved my
life," she said.

A parent who serves unofficially as the Drug Court mom, lending
support and giving rides, shared how one of her sons failed the Drug
Court program and is now serving time in prison. Another son died
this year after diving into a pool while under the influence of
drugs. A third son has been drug free for four months which is the
first time in six years.

"I'd rather have a child participate here than be dead," she said.

The sessions include reporting to counselors, treatment sessions and
drug screening.

The program is federally funded and administered through the state
with 25 percent matching money given by the county.

Twenty-eight people are in the program now. Only two members of the
Drug Court team are paid.

Participants are recommended by law enforcement and the solicitor's
office and chosen by the team.