A courtroom is not a place where you expect to find scenes of celebration and tears of joy, unless, of course, it’s drug court.

This May drug courts throughout Kansas will join more than 3,000 programs nationwide in celebrating National Drug Court Month. This year alone, more than 150,000 individuals nationwide who entered the justice system due to addiction will receive lifesaving treatment and the chance to repair their lives, reconnect with their families, and find long-term recovery.

National Drug Court Month is a celebration of the lives restored by drug court and it sends the powerful message that these programs must be expanded to reach more people in need.

Nearly 30 years ago the first drug court opened its doors with a simple premise: Rather than continue to allow individuals with long histories of addiction and crime to cycle through the justice system at great expense to the public, use the leverage of the court to keep them engaged in treatment long enough to be successful. Today, drug courts and other treatment courts have proven that a combination of accountability and compassion saves lives while also saving valuable resources and reducing exorbitant criminal justice costs.

Drug courts are the single most successful criminal justice intervention for seriously addicted offenders. Proven to save lives, save money, and reduce crime, these courts treat substance use disorders and produce tax-paying, productive citizens, while breaking the cycle of addiction.

The Ellis County Drug Court began August 30, 2018 and has already experienced success and changed lives. Our court is one of thousands that demonstrate why treatment courts are so critical in the effort to address addiction and related crime. The scientific research agrees:
Numerous studies have found that treatment courts reduce crime and drug use and save money. Research shows treatment courts also improve education, employment, housing, financial stability, and family reunification, which reduces foster care placements.

Treatment courts represent a compassionate approach to the ravages of addiction. Ellis County is privileged to be able to reap the economic and societal benefits of its drug court. The drug court team thanks the community for its continued support of our efforts to make a difference in Ellis County.

Teresa Greenwood
Drug Court Coordinator