DRUG PROGRAM RECEIVES BOOST

The 14th Judicial Circuit's drug court program received a boost last
week when a Beaufort County Council committee voted to contribute
$35,000. The Finance Committee recommendation is expected to come
before the full council at its meeting today.

In 1999, the drug court was funded by a three-year federal grant,
which was intended to help start the program, said Susan Chapin,
director of the Drug Court program, serving Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton
and Colleton counties.

"But the agreement was after three years, the counties or towns that
are participating in the programs were supposed to start funding it,"
she said.

Chapin said the estimated cost of running the program is about
$350,000 a year for counseling, supplies, salaries and other
necessities, and she is in the process of seeking funding to cover the
costs.

She and her staff are searching for funds to keep the program alive
while county and town councils are preparing their budgets for the
next fiscal year, which begins July 1.

Chapin said there were four counselors working with the program's
participants to stay free of drugs and alcohol.

The Drug Court provides intensive addiction treatment and supervision
to nonviolent offenders.