DRUG COURT HELPS OFFENDERS GRADUATE TO A NEW LIFE

After 30 years of drug addiction, Reva Roberts has graduated to a new life
- -- one without drugs.

Roberts was one of the 16 graduates Tuesday night in a ceremony for the
Jackson County Drug Court, held at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage
Center.

Ceremonies occur six times a year. There have been more than 1,000
graduates since the program began in 1993. Tuesday night's graduation also
marked the program's 10th anniversary.

Drug Court gives nonviolent drug offenders the opportunity to complete a
treatment program and have criminal charges against them dismissed.

Claire McCaskill, Missouri state auditor and former Jackson County
prosecutor, said the innovative program has proved that jail isn't always
the answer. Some addicts need treatment, not a jail sentence, she said.

"People underestimated you," McCaskill told graduates. "They didn't realize
you were the kind of people who wanted choices, but just needed help
finding the way, and help getting back up when you stumble."

Roberts said Drug Court helped her escape a life of abuse. Now, having been
clean for almost a year, she can be there for her family.

"It feels so good," Roberts said. "It's not been easy, but I have a life now."

Her mother, Willa Roberts, said that without Drug Court, her daughter
wouldn't be where she is today.

"I've been struggling with her for so many years," she said. "It's a
blessing this happened to her, and I am so very proud."

Drug Court is funded by the county's COMBAT sales tax, which generates
approximately $18 million a year for the court and other initiatives.

The program, among the first of its kind in the nation, works because it
blends treatment and criminal justice, said administrator Vicki Boyd. Its
treatment plans include counseling, anger management and life-skills training.

"All the partners are coming together and stepping outside their
traditional roles for the benefit of one individual," Boyd said.

The program also offers GED classes and other services for participants and
their families.

"Every component is essential to the success of the program and its
participants," Boyd said. "The fact that we can do it all is what makes
this so unique."

Tracking of graduates for five years shows that 95 percent continue to live
a crime-free life, she said.