STAR program breaks cycle of drug abuse and crime

By D.A. WILKINSON

wilkinson@vindy.com

LISBON

Columbiana County Municipal Court Judge Carol Ann Robb has found a way to break the cycle of chemical abuse and mental-heath issues and crime.

Her colleague, Judge Mark Frost also of municipal court, said he had been skeptical about the program but now will take part in it.

The program is called “Successful Treatment And Recovery,” or STAR.

It’s a program for nonviolent offenders. On Friday afternoons, men and women involved in the program go to court to check in with Judge Robb.

So far, about 18 people have been in the program, which started in 2008. Only two dropped out.

The cycle of chemical abuse, crime and jail time is not new. But, Judge Robb said, in many of those cases, there is also an underlying mental-health problem.

People who have committed a crime and want to take part in the STAR program are sent to the county’s mental-health center for a diagnosis. People who commit violent crimes can’t try to dodge a charge via the program. Charged with drunken driving or a sex offense? You don’t qualify.

Those who do apply for the STAR program can eventually have the charges against them dropped.

They wind up working with a counselor who can help them find suitable housing and reliable transportation or help in taking the General Educational Development Test.

“When they begin the basics of sobriety, they see me less frequently,” Judge Robb said.

For good measure, the program saves money by not having repeat cases or feed and house prisoners.