County’s treatment court celebrates 10 years
May is National Drug Court Month. Hamilton County joins more than 4,000 treatment courts across the country to celebrate the lives, families, and resources saved by this vital service.
Bardach
“Drug Court is breaking the cycle of addiction and crime, providing hope and healing through recovery to people with substance use disorders,” said Hamilton County Superior Court Six Judge Gail Bardach.
Hamilton County’s Drug Court celebrated 10 years in existence in 2020. In the past decade it has graduated 89 participants with 41 currently in the program. The program involves 18 to 24 months of intensive and comprehensive evidence-based treatment, close supervision, and accountability. Participants must have a criminal case pending against them and be referred into the program which uses graduated incentives and sanctions to promote positive behavioral change.
Judge Bardach estimates roughly three quarters of the participants also have a diagnosed mental health disorder.
“A lot of criminal behavior is driven by substance abuse and mental health disorders,” Bardach said. “As such, our jails and prisons are serving as mental health facilities for a number of people. That’s why Drug Court is so critical. We can help these people stop the cycle of crime by helping them identify and manage their addictions; propping them up so they can become contributing members of society again.”
Twenty-two people make up Hamilton County’s Drug Court team, including two judges, two defense attorneys, two prosecutors, probation officers, law enforcement officers, treatment providers, and case managers. Click here to learn more about Hamilton County’s Drug Court.