Saturday, May 21, 2005
The program has helped more than 250 participants.
KATIE LIBECCO
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Seven participants of Mahoning County Common Pleas Drug Court got a fresh start in life Friday when they received certificates of completion and had pending felony charges dismissed.
The emotional graduation ceremony took place in Judge Maureen A. Cronin's courtroom, but presided over by Judge Jack Durkin. It celebrated the accomplishments of the individuals and the 12-to-24 month comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment program.
"This is a very, very special day for our graduates and a very, very special day for our program," Judge Durkin said.
The National Association of Drug Court Professionals in Washington, D.C., asked Mahoning County's Drug Court to kickoff a nationwide drug court month.
There are 1,600 drug court programs in the U.S.; only seven were asked to sponsor a graduation ceremony.
"This is definitely a life-altering program. ... You just have to follow the path that's laid out for you," one graduate told those in the program.
What's required
Individuals charged with low-level drug-related felonies are eligible for the program.
Current and past charges cannot be violent, sexual or weapons-related. Also, any individuals considered "drug traffickers" are not eligible.
All participants receive drug and/or alcohol recovery treatment. Participants obtain driver's licenses, earn diplomas and become employed.
Three of the seven graduates are now attending Youngstown State University.
Another program graduate is enrolled to attend the police academy in the fall.
Participants are reunited with families, become productive members of society and attend rehabilitation meetings. One graduate expressed happiness that he was finally able to pay child support and visit his son.
After all steps of the program have been completed, including being alcohol and drug free for at least six months, the felony charges are dismissed.
The program was created by Judge Durkin in 1996. There are typically 75 to 100 active members in the program.
The first graduation ceremony took place in 1998. Since its creation, there have been more than 250 graduates. Only 35 have been arrested on new felony violations.