by David Chapman
Staff Writer
On a recent Tuesday morning, 33 people filled the seats of a second floor courtroom at the Duval County Courthouse and chatted with each other quietly until Chief Judge Donald Moran entered the room.
Each person has a back story, a problem, a reason to be in court – yet when they were called individually to the bench, it wasn’t for sentencing for their offense.
It was for a progress report, advice, a future court date and even an occasional joke from the Chief Judge to lighten the mood on the problem that plagued each individual in its own way: addiction.
“How is treatment going?”
“Are you working? Keep trying... it’s harder to find a job than it is to work it.”
“Do you have a sponsor? How many times a week do you talk with them?”
“Says here you’ve been doing well... all I have to say is, just don’t get overconfident.”
“There is not a person in this room who can’t be successful.”
Each question and comment is commonplace from Moran, who stresses honest answers and effort from each individual.
In place of the lengthy, costly court proceedings that would normally send the offenders to jail, this program is part of a chance to turn their life around.
For these individuals, Drug Court was back in session.
Since its creation in 1994, Drug Court has helped over 1,000 non-violent drug offenders get their lives back on track through treatment, structure and support while substituting treatment for immediate jail time and sparing taxpayers hefty bills.
These non-violent drug offenders are suggested to the state attorney’s office from prosecutors, then screened extensively by Diversion Director Tina Bernardi of the State Attorney’s Office.
After successful screenings, around 150 individuals are admitted into the program at entry level phase one and over the course of several successful months advance through stage four and graduation. While in the program, individuals are required to provide multiple drug tests, remain in treatment, go to programs, find work and have an ongoing relationship with sponsors who help them cope with struggles.
Relapses do occur and if needed the individuals are sent to River Region Human Services, a 24-hour treatment facility. If the struggles continue, individuals are then sent to the Salvation Army, a non-secure treatment facility, for up to six months. If any further relapses occur, the offending individual can be sent to JSO’s Matrix House, a secure lockdown treatment center for a minimum of six months.
If all else fails, it’s jail time.
With its 73 percent success rate, based on program individuals not being rearrested, at a total cost of $330,000 a year, it’s a relative bargain said Acting Court Administrator Joe Stelma.
Even at a “bargain”, the program was recently on the chopping block.
Faced with a 2008–09 court budget that had to be cut, Moran preserved court employees over the program he’s presided over since its beginning.
On May 1, the remaining Drug Court money was earmarked for treatment of the current patients and new cases were halted.
“When we found out about Drug Court being cut, morale was low,” said Bernardi. “It was horrible.”
Things remained at a standstill until Stelma and court officials worked with Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to secure $58,000 to continue the program from July 1–Sept. 30.
After that, the program will go back on the shelf unless additional funding is found.
“When drug court went away for a little bit, it got hard and I was lost,” said one of the individuals who addressed Moran last Tuesday.
Court officials are hoping the program doesn’t lose its way anymore due to funding issues, an ongoing problem the past few years.
Stelma is happy the program is back in its current mold but stressed the need for a long term commitment from the City.
“What is $330,000 in the scheme of things for a program that works?” said Stelma. “The amount the program ends up saving from property damage, loss of human life and jail and hospital bills to taxpayers is remarkable.”
Currently, adult Drug Court is funded from 25 percent of a $65 court fine, with that 25 percent considered part of the Chief Judge’s discretionary fund.
“We have to have dedicated sources of funding besides those fines,” said Stelma. “They aren’t consistent.”
With the return of Drug Court in recent weeks, morale has returned but more so, confidence has increased in the securing of annual funds for the program.
“I think it’s saved,” said State Attorney Harry Shorstein, who said he recently discussed the issue with Mayor Peyton. “I feel I have a commitment and we’re all appreciative of the Mayor’s assistance.”
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