Federal measure will study benefits of drug courts at nontraditional locations
Posted on Monday, December 18, 2006
A measure that includes a study on expanding the use of drug courts in places other than the courtroom — such as schools — has been approved by the U. S. House and Senate.
The measure is part of an act on President George Bush’s desk to be signed, said Ryan James, communications director for Congressman John Boozman, R-Rogers, who sponsored it in the House.
It authorizes a study by the Office of National Drug Control Policy to research the benefits of holding drug courts in nontraditional, public places.
The amendment for this study and another related one were part of the Office of National Drug Policy Reauthorization Act.
Boozman was named to the Task Force for a Drug Free America in 2003.
Drug courts handle cases of nonviolent drug offenders who agree to enter treatment so they may avoid prison.
Fourth Circuit Judge Mary Ann Gunn oversees the drug court for Washington and Madison counties and says the court is conducted in schools about twice a month, with some exceptions.
She said the court has been going into area schools since 1999.
The measure that was passed concerning the drug court study also requires the Office of National Drug Control Policy to study trends to the effect of drug use on children of abusers. It will require the office to assess trends relating to the effects of illicit drug use on children of substance abusers.
The study on drug courts will show how programs like it basically expose youth and teens to the “ real world” consequences of drug abuse, James said.
Altrusa International of Fayetteville is the liaison for the program to take the drug court for Washington and Madison counties to area schools, Gunn said, and there is a written protocol for security when the drug court is taken to the schools because prisoners are brought into the schools.
“ We bring our own sound system, ” Gunn added.
Students also write letters after they have seen drug court, providing feedback. Gunn said students at Lincoln High School this fall were asked to write about their own or others’ drug and alcohol use.
The students, she said, are really responsive.
“ They’re glad to talk about it, ” she said.
Some of the Lincoln High School students’ letters were asking why something is not being done about the drug and alcohol problems, she said.
Gunn said going to the schools allows drug court participants to tell younger people about the consequences of drugs and alcohol.
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