Richland County’s Substance Abuse Treatment Court, often known as “Drug Court,” held its 15th annual graduation ceremony on Thursday in conjunction with National Drug Court Month.
“What has been proven time and time again is that Drug Court works,” Richland County Common Pleas Court Judge Brent Robinson said. “Part of the way we know that is because we’re here today.”
Thursday marked a milestone for six individuals who successfully completed Drug Court. In addition to receiving a plaque and certificate, “probably the most important thing for our graduates,” Robinson said, “is they will not have a conviction on their records.”
Candiss Hall, Drug Court graduate, said the program and people involved were truly amazing. “It was honestly such a blessing,” she said. “The people really do care for you and help you make changes in your life for the better.”
Now that she’s done with the program, she’s looking forward to the next chapter in her life. “It feels amazing to close this part of my life and move forward sober,” she expressed.
Richland County Drug Court was first established in 1997 by past Common Pleas Court Judge James Henson. “Since 1997, Drug Court has been extremely effective in motivating low level, nonviolent, drug addicted offenders to choose abstinence and a life free of crime over incarceration, and possibly even death,” Robinson said.
He said that the program protects the public, saves taxpayers money, reduces recidivism, and ultimately saves lives.
Drug Court partners with local court systems, law enforcement agencies, probation and parole officers, community treatment programs, religious-based programs, educational programs, and medical professionals to help those who are suffering from an addiction become productive members of the community, he said.
Robinson further noted that he would like to see the program continue to evolve in order to help keep it successful. “That means myself and the treatment team are committed to seeing what new options will work,” he said.
Josh Grover, a 2013 Drug Court graduate, said that he entered the program reluctantly, but later on saw positive changes occur in his life.
“I’m not going to tell you that I’ve been perfect since I graduated,” he said, “but thankfully I’ve been able to find something that is, and that is the perfect love of Jesus Christ.”
“When I make mistakes, I get down on my knees and ask God for forgiveness. And just like the Bible says, ‘If you confess your sins, he is faithful and just and will cleanse you of all unrighteousness.’”
Henson praised the graduates and told them to be proud of their accomplishment. He noted that enrolling into the program “is not an easy task.” Drug Court takes a minimum of 18 months to successfully complete, “because it takes a long time to change habits,” he said.
On a final encouraging note, Henson said to the graduates, “You’ve run a good race … now it’s time for the marathon.” He advised them to take the lessons they’ve learned and “stay in shape because the long run is just that–a long, long time.”
Robinson further noted that he would like to see the program continue to evolve in order to help keep it successful. “That means myself and the treatment team are committed to seeing what new options will work,” he said.
