DRUG COURT: A BETTER WAY?

Putting repeat drug offenders behind bars gets them out of sight. But
they need treatment, not just isolation. Now that Toledo has a drug
court, some local addicts are getting the help they need in a program
that is costly but ultimately should be worth the expense.

Drug Czar Barry McCaffery recognizes the relationship between drug and
alcohol abuse and criminal behavior. He has proposed that there be
drug testing and treatment in the criminal justice system, and that
offender be aided instead of just incarcerated.

Repeat offenders who have not responded to drug rehabilitation, jail,
or loss of their home and jobs, can find help in the Lucas County
Family Drug Court. There, the offenders are parents who are closely
monitored and who must explain their actions to Judge James Ray.

If that doesn't work, they can loose custody of their children and
still wind up in jail by ignoring last-ditch, intense effort to help
right their lives. Those who accept the opportunity and get the extra
help they need to improve their lives are rewarded for their success
in getting and staying clean.

In the four month that the local program has been running, only one
person has tested positive for drugs. That say's a lot for involving
mental health experts, drug counselors, and child welfare caseworkers
to aid offenders. Plus, must attend support groups, meet daily with
counselors, and submit to frequent drug tests, as well as stand before
Judge Ray every week.

Because the benefit of drug courts is widely recognized, more than 500
have been set up since 1990. Ohio has 34; only California and Florida
have more. Although there's no national tracking system that details
the courts' success, studies in other states show a lower recidivism
rate compared with traditional courts.

The courts, however are expensive. The U.S. Department of Justice
backs the drug courts with $26 million in grants. If the programs
work, and it generally appears that they do, the investment will be
worth it. The offenders will regain custody of their children, and
once employed, they become taxpaying citizens, out of the criminal
justice system. That's money well spent.