UNIQUE DRUG TREATMENT PROGRAM IN DURHAM

An innovative approach to dealing with substance abuse and crime is
underway in Durham Region.

The Durham Drug Treatment Court was initiated through a partnership
between Judge Kofi Barnes, Lakeridge Health Pinewood and
representatives from the Crown, duty counsel and probation services.

It provides comprehensive treatment to people charged with criminal
offences with demonstrated substance abuse issues.

While Drug Treatment Courts are relatively new to Canada, they have
succeeded in the United States, Norway and Australia.

"The Durham Drug Treatment Court provides court-supervised treatment
for those primarily addicted to cocaine and/or opiates," said Paul
McGary, director of Mental Health and Pinewood Centre at Lakeridge Health.

"Our goal is to reduce the relapse rates of our client's substance
use and related criminal behaviour through addiction and lifestyle
rehabilitation."

To participate, offenders must accept responsibility for their
offence by entering a guilty plea. After completing the program,
clients receive a non-custodial sentence.

The new court has not yet received financial support from the
Department of Justice Canada. The partners are supporting the program
in hopes that government funding comes through.