DRUG COURT SAVED AND WILL EXPAND

Nonprofit Group Lends Hand In Fund-Raising

Last October, Jefferson Parish's court-run anti-drug program was facing an
uncertain future.

Federal financing had all but run out, and despite the program's
unimaginable early success, administrators were unsure if the public or
private community would donate to the cause.

Nine months later, the program has not only secured the required state
money to keep running full speed, but also has attracted enough private
donations to expand.

On Thursday, supporters celebrated their success at Charlie G's restaurant
in Metairie.

"When you talk about the drug problem, there are not that many times when
we have a reason to celebrate," said attorney Pat LeBlanc, who has helped
lead private fund-raising efforts. "Today is one."

Financial salvation for the drug court program came from state coffers and
the work of the nonprofit group I CAN Help Inc., which was started last
year by three judges attempting to preserve the drug court intensive
probation program. CAN stands for Control Addiction Now.

Through the Louisiana Supreme Court budget, the state has agreed to finance
almost $820,000, the amount needed to keep both the juvenile and adult drug
programs at their current financing levels, said Judge Marion Edwards of
the state 5th Circuit Court of Appeal.

The I CAN Help organization, in partnership with the Compaq Classic
Foundation, raised an additional $250,000, which will allow both the adult
and juvenile programs to expand.

Since the program started in 1997, about 400 adults and 62 juveniles have
participated. The private donations will pay for another 25 adults and 10
youths to enroll.

"We're still only reaching about 7 percent of those who need to be in the
program," Edwards said. "But the life changes you see are remarkable. You
wouldn't believe them."

The 18-month program accepts people who plead guilty to first-time felony
drug or drug-related offenses, and requires that they go through intensive
monitoring and counseling for addiction.

Adult offenders must report to court once a week, submit to drug tests
three times a week and attend three therapy sessions and three 12-step
meetings a week. Therapy for juveniles is all done within the home environment.

Of the 125 adults who have graduated from the program, only two have been
arrested a second time, amounting to a 1.6 percent recidivism rate. Compare
that with an 85 percent recidivism rate for drug offenders who serve time,
and the program's success is evident, I CAN Help director Belinda Constant
said.

"It's incredible what this program can do," Constant said. "Our goal is to
raise enough money to help all of those people who need help."

The cause also garnered the support of Parish President Tim Coulon,
District Attorney Paul Connick Jr., Sheriff Harry Lee and Clerk of Court
Jon Gegenheimer, who were all recognized at the luncheon by the nonprofit
group. District Judge Fredericka "Ricky" Wicker, who has been instrumental
in organizing and administering the program, also was commended for her
leadership.

The Compaq Classic Foundation, organizer of the Professional Golfers
Association tournament in New Orleans, agreed to support I CAN Help Inc.
during this year's tournament in April.

Foundation president Rick George said his group will continue to partner
with the I CAN Help to raise money in years to come.

The foundation typically supplies children's charities with administrative
support and donor incentives, such as free tickets. All of the money raised
is returned to the charity, he said.