SECOND CHANCES

11 Graduate From Clay County Drug Treatment Program

Cheers and tears flowed Friday in the crowded Clay County Commission
meeting room in Liberty as 11 persons graduated from the county's adult
drug court program.

That brought the number of graduates to 23 since the program was launched
three years ago. It allows minor offenders to avoid jail if they complete
an intensive 18 to 24 months of drug treatment, counseling and job training.

I can now hold my head up high and be proud of who I am," said Kerry Smith,
38, of Kansas City, North, who said that for several years he battled an
addiction to methamphetamine. "Without this program, I would not be clean
today."

As Smith told his story, several audience members, including family
members, wiped away tears.

Afterward, Smith said it was important for others who might be battling an
addiction to understand available resources can help them.

The first step is realizing that a life of addiction affects you and, more
importantly, those around you," he said.

The program is financed by a combination of local money and state and
federal grants. Jackson County's adult drug court started in 1993 and has
graduated 1,176 persons. Under the Clay County program, participants
undergo frequent urine tests, and groups of them often report to a judge,
who praises or threatens them as is deemed appropriate.

Prosecutors drop charges if members complete the treatment, counseling and
job training. Those who leave the program must return to court and face
their original charges.

On Friday, drug court Judge A. Rex Gabbert handed each graduate a framed
certificate of completion, and Missouri Supreme Court Justice Mary Rhodes
Russell shook their hands before an audience of families, politicians and
officials.

Russell told the graduates their efforts to remain sober and drug-free
would give them a new beginning.

You should be commended for changing destructive behavior into constructive
behavior," Russell said.

Clay County Prosecutor Dan White congratulated the graduates but was quick
to remind them to avoid the many temptations that lay ahead. White said it
would have been easier for many of them to go to jail rather than face the
difficult task of battling their addiction.

It's a great day for you to go out and put what you have learned to work,"
White said. "As a graduate of this program, you are something to look upon
in a positive light."

Presiding Commissioner Carol McCaslin told the graduates to make good use
of their second opportunity to be productive and responsible citizens.

Second chances are rare and valuable," McCaslin said.