DRUG COURTS ARE ESSENTIAL

We're glad to see that the York County drug court escaped the ax during
this lean budget year.

The drug court, which provides an intensive treatment, counseling and
supervision program as an alternative to a prison sentence, has been
approved for another round of federal money. And state lawmakers have
budgeted $1 million in matching money to be used by county drug courts
throughout the state.

The court, which is overseen by the 16th Circuit Solicitor's office, has
enrolled more than 25 people, and the first class could graduate in
October. The program uses the services of Keystone Substance Abuse Services
of Rock Hill. The state's jails already are packed with low-level,
non-violent drug offenders. Statistics show that, without treatment and
rehabilitation, many of them will become repeat offenders. Drug court
offers an alternative, a chance for offenders to turn their lives around
and return to society as productive citizens. And with the early success
with adult offenders, the solicitor's office is trying to initiate a
similar program for juveniles.

The drug rehab program is not a walk in the park. Those who sign up must
adhere to strict regulations, including frequent drug tests and a rigorous
treatment program to get them clean and help them stay that way. And those
who fail end up back in the regular criminal justice system.

Drug courts such as this, we think, provide a needed alternative to simply
throwing addicts in jail. If offenders can be rehab-ilitated, that is a
better outcome both for them and society in general.

We hope this program will continue to receive funding in the future, that
it will be expanded and that a juvenile court will be established in the
near future.