The Indiana Office of Court Services is evaluating whether a new adult drug court in Bartholomew County should receive permanent certification.
It’s been operating since May with provisional certification, and is one of three new problem-solving courts in the county.
We hope it receives permanent certification because of the role it plays in the local substance abuse treatment and recovery system that has been built over the last couple years.
The drug court joins a family dependency court and a veterans court in an emphasis on problem solving and assistance over punishment, incarceration and a one-size-fits-all approach.
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Participants are high-risk, high-need nonviolent criminals, and they are required to spend 18 to 24 months in the program. Bartholomew Circuit Judge Kelly Benjamin oversees the drug court, and each Tuesday each participant must appear before the judge and her drug court staff. The drug court team provides assistance and encouragement.
Participants also are required to undergo two drug screens per week, and attend intensive outpatient therapy sessions.
A lot is expected of adults in the drug court, but that’s because the purpose is to address each participant’s underlying problems and change lives long-term.
Too many adults in Bartholomew County are struggling with substance abuse addiction. But, the consequences don’t have to be spending months or years behind bars.
The new adult drug court is a key tool that aids the Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress’ efforts in Bartholomew County.
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