DRUG COURT IS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

The Marion County effort to help users get clean deserves funding.

In the fight against drug abuse, a Marion County courtroom offers the
chance for life-changing victories.

Last week the county opened its first drug court, a pilot project that
administers justice and hope.

Potential participants - people facing first-time felony drug use charges -
are closely screened. But not everyone will succeed. For those who do, the
court will help them kick their drug habits, improve the lives of their
children, steer them away from crime and save money for taxpayers.

Friday's initial session showed both the promise and the obstacles.

One woman didn't show up. Judge Dennis Graves signed a bench warrant for
her arrest. She's lost her chance for the therapeutic approach of drug
court and will face punishment through the regular court system.

Two others were ordered to attend 12-step meetings, meet with a drug
counselor and parole and probation officer. They'll report back to court
again Friday.

Drug courts combine extensive supervision, ongoing treatment, homework,
random drug tests, incentives and potential sanctions. The aim is to guide
and encourage people to give up drugs, stay clean, attend counseling and
other activities - and catch them if they don't.

Because of the devastating effects that drug abuse can have on families,
Marion County is focusing on drug users who have children.

Up to 15 people will be in the pilot project. They will have more court
supervision than if they were on probation and more drug treatment than if
they were in jail or prison. If they complete their drug-court contract,
lasting more than a year, their criminal charge will be dismissed.

County residents, who live in a prime drug-trafficking area, will benefit
too. History and research have shown that people who complete drug courts
have lower recidivism and less drug use, at far less cost to taxpayers,
than people sent to jail or prison.

To help this project succeed, Marion County needs the support of area
residents, the Legislature and the federal government.

Individuals and businesses can aid in a variety of ways. They can donate
gift certificates and other positive incentives for participants, provide
transportation, and assist with mentoring and job placement.

Marion County has applied for a federal grant to expand the program beyond
the pilot project. We hope the drug court also will receive financial
support from within Oregon.

Judge Graves and many others deserve credit for working together to make
the drug court a reality. It is a collaborative effort of the district
attorney's office, defense lawyers, sheriff's office, Salem police, parole
and probation officers, and treatment providers.

Drug abuse affects all of us - whether it's a family member, a colleague, a
neighbor or a child's friend.

Marion County is taking an important step to help drug users turn their
lives around instead of falling deeper into addiction, destroying families
and neighborhoods.