BELL DRUG COURT GRADUATES FIRST MEMBER

PINEVILLE - The Bell County Drug Court had its first graduation ceremony on
Wednesday.

The program's first graduate, Julia Hensley, has been in the program for
over a year with a perfectly clean record. Hensley had no positive drug
tests and no sanctions or reprimands throughout the program.

"She's been a real role model for drug court. She has met every
requirement," said program specialist Kristy Nelson.

Of those who joined the program at the same time as Hensley, three others
still have more requirements to meet before graduation and two were
terminated from the program due to non-cooperation.

"It is difficult. You have to keep your act together," said a current drug
court participant who wished to only be identified by Jeff.

Speakers at the graduation offered words of encouragement for those still
in the program. "We can have victory over the situations in our life," said
Rev. Bruce Walzer. "Believe and keep on keeping on."

One of the first graduates from Harlan's Drug Court program had this to say
about the program, "It helped me to look inward and help me see that I had
the strength...I am now doing what I never dreamed possible."

Judge Robert Costanzo also had words of praise for Hensley's success.

"Julia has been a very consistent and done everything that we've asked. She
exemplifies and will be the model for Drug Court for years to come," said
Costanzo.

When receiving her graduation plaque, Julia had only this to say through
her tears. "Drug Court has helped me in a lot of ways. I have a better life
now."

While those in the program realize its difficulty, all seem grateful for
the opportunity to turn things around.

"Everybody pretty much jumps at this opportunity," said Nelson. "It's this
or jail."

The Bell County Drug court began in January 2004 as part of Operation
UNITE. Later funds were acquired to begin a larger county-based drug court
operation. Currently 27 individuals are participating in the Bell County
program from the district and circuit courts.

The Drug Court's goal is to provide an alternative method of dealing with
non-violent substance abuse offenders whose only contact with the court
system has been due to their substance abuse. If they successfully complete
the program, which lasts a minimum of one year for adults, then they may be
eligible for a sentence reduction or elimination.

Those charged with drug trafficking or violent crimes such as assault are
not be eligible.

The program closely monitors the participant's progress with regular drug
testing and weekly meetings in the court as well as counseling sessions for
their substance abuse. The program requires that they find and keep
appropriate employment, and their individualized treatment plan may include
family and group counseling in addition to individual counseling,
vocational training, and community activities.

Currently there are 27 active drug courts around the state of Kentucky.