Dunklin County Drug Court graduates its 100th participant

According to those in attendance, including State Representative Terry Swinger, D--Caruthersville, it was notable occasion because the 100th person to find success in the program received a certificate during the ceremony.

"With the help of a Drug Court Team, the treatment programs give non-violent offenders a chance to have their charges dismissed or to reduce the time they have remaining on supervised probation upon the successful completion of the program and most importantly a chance to live the rest of their lives substance free," Swinger noted.

"The particular graduation I attended was for those who graduated from the Family Treatment Court," he added. "In the Family Court program, participants are given the chance to regain custody of their children and become better parents. These participants are referred to the program by the Juvenile Court or Missouri Children's Division."

According to Swinger, the family-based program is an intensive program that lasts 12-18 months, where participants must attend substance abuse group therapy several hours per week and have individual counseling sessions each week.

"They have weekly and random drug testing. They must keep a daily journal and make a weekly Court appearance," Swinger explained.

"In addition to these requirements, they are required to find employment."

If the participant does not have a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate, they are required to obtain one by the end of the program, according to program coordinators. If they do have their high school diploma or GED, they are given resources to help them enroll in a college or vocational program.

"The young woman whose graduation I observed is now employed, taking care of her children and off drugs and alcohol. She should be very proud of herself," Swinger said.

Research indicates that Drug Courts were created due to an increasing prison population. "It is a win-win situation for the participant and society," Swinger said. "It costs less to send a person through drug court instead of sending them to prison, the program addresses education deficiencies and lack of employment. It also decreases the crime rate."

According to the Legislator, it is estimated that more than 90 percent of crime can be linked to drug and alcohol abuse.

"I commend the Drug Court Team who worked with these people diligently," Swinger said. "They are the reason this program is successful. I was very impressed by the participants' respect they had for the Drug Court Team at graduation. The participants were very emotional and showed their commitment towards changing their lives during the ceremony."

"The Dunklin County Court Treatment Program has given them a second chance at life, " he added.