Officials Want Local Drug Court

Drugs don't discriminate. A courtroom is a place for justice, a place full of decisions and consequences, but can you imagine a court that focuses on treatment and healing? Drug courts, or sometimes referred to as treatment courts could be coming to Glasgow.

Jeffrey Kushner, the Montana Drug Court Coordinator gave a presentation to local attorney's law enforcement, family services, mental health services and probation and parol officers at the Cottonwood Inn on Friday, Oct. 3. While Glasgow doesn't have this court now, City Judge Lynn Gilbertson and Glasgow Police Department Administrative Assistant Kathy Granger have been working on making it a reality.

Gilbert explained that they are waiting on approval for training and they have already been working on writing the grant for funding. If approval came it still might take about a year to get the system put in place.

So what is a drug court? Kushner explained that it's a court focused on drug and alcohol abuse. Drug offenses and DUIs (Driving Under the Influence) would go through a special court that has the judge and a team following the individuals during their time in the system. He explained that statistics for drug court are strong as it is one of the most researched approaches in the courts and law enforcement. Around two thirds of arrests test positive for drug or alcohol, 67 percent of those reoffend and 50 percent are drug related domestic violence.

“We're looking at a reduction in re-offenses and a reduction in drug and alcohol abuse,” Kushner said at the presentation.

This holistic approach offers counseling, not just for drug and alcohol, but for family and marriage if needed. It focuses on the root of the problem instead of just giving punishment and consequences.

Kushner explained that several people came together to design the program and added 10 key components to the program. He said that as of last year there were 3,000 drug courts across the country and that the courts are a heavily evidence based system. The recovery and treatment services are offered between 12 and 18 months for those in the program.

“You're looking for a stable recovery that will last for a long time,” Kushner said.

Drug courts are branched off in three services, one for families, one for adults and one for juveniles. A participant in the court wouldn't be a violent offender. They would have a whole team of people that would meet on a regular basis to talk about how they're doing in treatment sessions, with their drug testing and with their counseling sessions. It also keeps the judge in the loop so the can actively participate in the progress.

According to Kushner, several participant said that the judge playing a role and having a relationship with those in the court system helped play a role in their success, not only through treatment, but their continuing recovery.

Some things that are necessary are getting individuals into the court system in a short span of time to help them go closer to recovery before they find themselves in trouble again. Kushner also suggested that a followup on issues can help those recovering stay sober and out of trouble. The last steps of the program would be getting them in touch with self help organization, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotic Anonymous. He said that those on the team helping participants should also get an understanding on how those programs worked.

Kushner explained that Havre had a drug court system set up and checking out how they have set up their DUI and Drug Courts could be helpful to Glasgow if they're able to proceed with the process.

Research has proven that the courts reduce reoffenders, reduce drug and drug related crimes and in the long run saves tax payers monty. He explained that over 30 studies have proven this. He said that the courts help keep offenders in treatment longer, which is effective to keeping them clean.

“There's been proven substantial savings in welfare costs,” Kushner said.

He explained that they help find employment for offenders and it gives them a better chance at reducing criminal behavior, sometimes helping them find a purpose. Some drug courts require to take part in work training or vocational programs.

Kushner said that while the drug court costs are higher, the outcomes save money in several services. He explained that some people might need to go through drug court, but the program might be tailored to specific needs, and treatment versus jail time has proven to be more effective. He also noted that while the program is successful, participants would still relapse, but the percentages are much smaller over time.

As the presentation came to a close, Gilbert and Kushner explained that there was free training already available, but training would be needed to help gain funding through grants to get the process started.