Pubdate: Thu, 14 Sep 2000
Source: Casper Star-Tribune (WY)
Copyright: 2000 Casper Star-Tribune
Contact:  P.O. Box 80, Casper, WY 82602-0080
Fax: (307) 266-0568
Website: http://www.trib.com/

LEGISLATORS CONSIDER STATEWIDE DRUG COURTS

SHERIDAN, Wyo. (AP) - Drug courts could be expanded statewide as part of 
the answer to Wyoming's burgeoning drug abuse problems, according to the 
chairman of a legislative subcommittee looking at the issue.

The drug abuse subcommittee of the Legislature's Labor, Health and Social 
Services Committee will probably propose a statewide system of drug courts, 
according to state Rep. Doug Osborn, R-Buffalo.

"Everybody says we need a system to help these individuals and provide 
community support," Osborn said. "They need help to stay away from the 
influences that lead them to substance abuse."

The subcommittee is surveying Wyoming's substance abuse services and 
studying whether those services are meeting needs of residents in the state.

The subcommittee is scheduled to present a status report to the committee 
as a whole later this month.
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