DRUG COURT

For a former drug addict, it can be the simple things that mean the
most. What others take for granted -- checking accounts, money in the
bank, buying car insurance or keeping a steady job -- are major milestones.

A drug court program administered through the 32nd Judicial Circuit
helps people put together the pieces of their lives after they've been
charged with drug convictions.

The program has been operating since August 2001 and has had 66
participants and seven commencement ceremonies.

For participants, the drug court program offers a chance to start
fresh. The requirements are that each participant submit to regular
and random drug testing, get counseling and call a case manager. The
penalties for failing to comply are stiff.

But learning to comply leads participants to acceptance and a new
life. They learn lessons about accountability and responsibility and
how to handle themselves amid the stress and struggle of coming clean.

Recidivism is only 10 percent statewide in drug courts. The local
program is too young to report any solid statistics. But judges and
court personnel in the 32nd Judicial Circuit believe the program is
having a positive impact.

There have been 14 graduates who have found jobs and new roles in the
community. Six women have delivered drug-free babies while in the
program. Although the program is too new to gauge success, those
numbers show things are moving in the right direction.