Editorials

A GOOD PROGRAM CONTINUES

Jefferson Parish's drug court program has been responsible for giving many
first-time drug possession offenders a chance for redemption.

Instead of going to jail for a first offense, an offender who participates
in the drug court program is enrolled in an intensive 18-month probation
program supervised by a judge. Attending substance abuse support groups is
mandatory. So too are weekly drug tests and community service. When all
those requirements are met, the person's arrest and subsequent guilty plea
is expunged.

In October, officials didn't know whether they would have the money to
continue the program. Federal funding had almost run out, and officials
didn't know if anyone would put up the capital to keep the program afloat.

As it turned out, though, the program not only found the money to continue,
it has found the money to expand.

The Louisiana Supreme Court is putting up almost $820,000, the amount of
money necessary to keep the program running at its current levels.

Another $250,000 is being provided by I CAN Help Inc., a nonprofit agency
that was started by three judges from Jefferson Parish -- Marion Edwards,
Fredericka Wicker and Ann Murry Keller. The $250,000 was raised in
partnership with the Compaq Classic Foundation.

That money will allow the drug court program to serve more people who need
help in controlling their addictions. Since 1997, 400 adults and 62
juveniles have enrolled in the program. With the additional funding,
another 25 adults and 10 young people will be able to participate. But
according to 5th Circuit Court Judge Edwards, even then, only 7 percent of
the people in Jefferson Parish who need a drug court program will be enrolled.

That's unfortunate, because many who have participated have made progress.
As of May 2000, 91 percent of participants and graduates of the program
were drug free when tested, and only 8 percent had been rearrested.

"The life changes you see are remarkable," Judge Edwards said.

Jefferson Parish's drug court program has proven its worth, and it's
encouraging to see so many officials -- including District Attorney Paul
Connick, Parish President Tim Coulon and Sheriff Harry Lee -- continue
their support. Perhaps with their help, it will expand even more.