DRUG COURT PROVIDES SECOND CHANCE

The Pilot Program Is Meant To Steer First-Time Offenders Into Treatment.

It was apparent to Marion County Judge Dennis Graves that the auburn-haired
woman was hurting.

Her voice broke several times Friday when she told him how her ex-husband
in Arizona was going to bring their 13-year-old son to Salem for a visit
during spring break.

She had been looking forward to the reunion. It's been two months since
Services to Children and Families removed him from her home because she
tested positive for drugs.

"I really want to do this," the 53-year-old woman said.

Graves listened, asked questions and ordered her to attend Narcotics
Anonymous three times a week, see a drug treatment counselor on Monday, a
probation and parole officer on Wednesday, and come back next Friday.

All those in the jury box - the Drug Court team of law enforcement and
treatment professionals - gave her a round of applause.

Welcome to the first day of Drug Court, a pilot program held every Friday
to prevent the compounded effects of parents' drug use on families by
targeting offenders charged with their first felony possession.

The Statesman Journal is not naming the participant because Drug Court
graduates will have their charges dismissed.

Currently financed by Marion County Parole and Probation, Drug Court is a
cooperative effort between the Salem Police Department, Marion County
Sheriff's Office, the district attorney, defense attorneys and treatment
providers.

The program is among the latest efforts to battle the impact of a spiraling
drug problem. On the Interstate 5 corridor, Salem is among the nation's top
drug-trafficking hubs. One out of every nine Oregonians needs treatment.

Taxpayers save $5.60 in law enforcement and other costs for every $1
invested in treatment programs, Marion County officials said.

More than 200,000 people have participated in drug courts nationwide since
1989. The federal Government Accounting Office reported that 71 percent of
those in drug court have completed the program or or actively participated.

In Marion County, about 15 offenders will get the chance to clean up their
records if they clean up their acts.

Drug Court also rewards participants with decreased supervision and other
incentives.

Sanctions include more drug testing, court appearances and 12-step
meetings, community service and jail.