ULSTER DRUG COURT HELPS OUT OFFENDERS

I'm a social work student at Marist College, and I'm very supportive of the
drug court program. I want to thank Judge Edward Feeney, Melissa Ortiquist
and the Ulster County Drug Court. I attended the Community Education Forum
on April 19 and felt it provided me with valuable information on our local
drug court.

Through this alternatives-to-incarceration program, drug courts allow
selected nonviolent people addicted to drugs and facing jail time to make a
decision to change their lives. The drug court requires intensive treatment
with integrated services, such as:

- -- Drug rehabilitation program.

- -- Mental health services.

- -- Community services.

The program requires the participant to comply with a conditional release
instead of jail time. This allows individuals access to specialized
services and treatment, promoting self-esteem and developing life skills to
cope with their diagnosis.

I sat in my seat at the Community Education Forum and listened to one
participant personally thank Judge Feeney for her success in the program.
In response, Judge Feeney reminded the participant it was her choice that
made the program successful. This affirmation of the individual supports
their re-establishment of self-esteem and worth.

I'm hopeful other drug court models will take Judge Feeney's lead and
develop similar programs in their counties too.

Cathryn Timbrouck

Kingston