SUPERVISION IS KEY IN DRUG COURT PROGRAM

TUNKHANNOCK TWP. - Scott Ramey nearly lost everything nine months ago
when he was convicted of driving under the influence.

As Mr. Ramey celebrates Christmas with his family, he said he is
grateful for a Sullivan/Wyoming county drug court program that helped
him avoid incarceration and turn his life around.

"Ever since I've been doing the program, I haven't even picked up a
drink," said Mr. Ramey, 33, who is married and has four children. "If
the program wasn't available, I wouldn't be here."

He is one of 17 people enrolled in the drug court program, which began
in October 2007.

"At this point, I could not picture Wyoming County without a drug
treatment court," said Judge Russell Shurtleff, who heads up the court.

People participate in the drug court program up to two years in lieu
of incarceration.

Drug court participants must stay sober and meet other requirements,
including community service. Those who don't have a high school
diploma are required to pass a General Education Development test.

"Participants are held accountable to the treatment court on a weekly
basis," Judge Shurtleff said. "The weekly supervision is key."

Chief Adult Probation Officer Chris Ciprich said a partnership is
formed between members of the drug court team, participants and their
families.

Participants of the drug court program receive treatment from A Better
Today.

The drug court currently serves people who are charged with DUIs and
drug-related offenses. The county plans to implement a similar program
that only serves people who are charged with three or more DUIs.

Before entering the drug court program, Mr. Ramey said he drank too
much and couldn't hold a job.

"If I drank one beer, I'd go out and get drunk," said Mr. Ramey, who
had his first drink when he was 11. "I couldn't stop at one beer."

During Labor Day weekend 2007, Mr. Ramey was pulled over by state
police and charged with a third DUI.

Facing up to one year in state prison on the DUI charge, Mr. Ramey
said he was relieved when he was admitted into the drug court program.

"At first when I got into the program, I didn't know if it would help
me," Mr. Ramey said, adding he didn't realize at the time he had a
drinking problem.

Now, Mr. Ramey said he hopes drug court leads him to a better life
that does not include drinking.

As a member of the drug court program, Mr. Ramey is required to earn a
GED.

Four of the 16 drug court participants have earned a GED, Judge
Shurtleff noted.

Mr. Ramey must also maintain his employment at Kalstar Enterprises and
attend a 12-step program.

Mr. Ramey is required to report his activity to Judge Shurtleff on a
regular basis.

He said participation in the drug court has made him feel better about
himself.

"The drug court staff is fair people," Mr. Ramey added. "They treat
you like you are somebody."