Missouri now has 44 adult drug courts,
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Missouri now has 44 adult drug courts, three family drug courts and 14 juvenile drug courts, with 27 other jurisdictions in some stage of planning to start a drug court.
Members of the 9th Circuit Drug Court team, consisting of Judge Gary Ravens, Probation and Parole Administrator Karl Rice; Probation and Parole Officer Ashley Thieme; Juvenile Officers Ron Dixon and Melissa Wilhoit; Public Defender Scott Hays; and Dan Nedrow of Preferred Family Healthcare attended the Missouri Association of Drug Court Processionals Conference in Springfield on April 17-19.
The conference, the fourth meeting of Missouri Drug Court Professionals, was attended by over 225 drug court officials. The conference brought speakers from drug court programs around America.
The 9th Circuit Drug Court, consisting of Sullivan, Chariton and Linn Counties, began operation in September of 2001 with six offenders who were all experiencing difficulties with their probation and were likely headed to prison. These non-violent offenders were given another opportunity at freedom and sobriety through the Drug Court Program.
The Drug Court involves intensive supervision from Probation and Parole and regular drug testing as well as substance abuse counseling through Preferred Family Healthcare. Offenders meet weekly with the judge for a review during the first phase, then progress with fewer face-to- face meetings if they remain violation free.
Since September, drug court participants in the 9th Circuit have completed a total of 1,590 days in the program. The savings to tax payers in prison cost is approximately $55,459 and these offenders are working, paying taxes and supporting their families.
The early information collected by the 9th Circuit Drug Court indicate that is a very successful program and nationwide, the data appears strong that drug courts do a better job of helping those addicted to drugs and alcohol stay sober and crime free.
Missouri Probation and Parole District Administrator Karl Rice stated he would be glad to speak to any community groups about the drug court process and he can be reached at the District 2 Probation and Parole Office in Chillicothe at 660-646-4535.