Bartholomew County stakeholders have been working for more than a year to address the community’s addiction problem, particularly with opioids.
Plans of action have been formulated, guided by the Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress (ASAP) in Bartholomew County.
Another step toward getting a handle on the problem, which is pending final approval, is the creation of a Problem Solving Adult Drug Court.
Court officials are pursuing four-year grant that could bring in up to $500,000 to help get the court launched.
A problem-solving court is designed to provide intensive supervision and counseling to low-income, drug-addicted defendants who are likely to relapse and commit more drug-related crimes.
Creating an adult drug court that focuses on rebuilding the lives of individuals so they can reunite with families and re-enter community life and the workplace has benefits for the county. Rehabilitated addicts who can make positive contributions lower costs associated with crimes, and add value to the economy by working.
The new court also would be a good addition on top of the county’s other problem-solving court, the Family Recovery Court. It give parents who struggle with addiction a support network and structure, and a path to reunification with their children.
Should the county receive the grant’s maximum, it will be enough only to create the court, but not support it long-term. Community financial support will be needed.
However, it would be a wise investment.
The community needs to get those who are struggling with addiction back on their feet and productive. A problem-solving drug court for adults would be a good step.
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