The Conasauga Circuit Drug Court, which serves both the Whitfield and Murray counties, will hold a graduation ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 25 at the Whitfield County, Georgia Courthouse, Jury Assembly Room at 10:30 a.m.
Judge Jim Wilbanks will deliver the keynote address.
This is the court’s 71st ceremony, since its founding in 2002. The ceremony marks the completion of an intensive 24 month program of comprehensive substance use disorder treatment, close supervision and accountability.
Treatment courts are this nation’s most effective strategy to reduce drug use and recidivism among substance-addicted, nonviolent offenders with criminal histories. In the State of Georgia, these courts save up to $5,000 for every individual they serve and each graduate returns as much as $22,125 back in economic benefit. Nationally, treatment courts return as much as $27 for every $1 invested.
Next week’s graduation ceremony is evidence of the impact the Conasauga Drug court has had on the community and will send a powerful message that these programs reduce addiction, crime and recidivism, while saving lives, families and valuable resources for our communities. Treatment courts continue to show that treatment courts work better than jail, prison or probation.
Learn more about Conasauga Drug Court and other treatment courts at http://www.whitfieldcountyga.com/sc/treatmentcourt.htm. National treatment court research is available at AllRise.org.