Pubdate: Tue, 02 Jan 2001
Source: Shreveport Times (LA)
Copyright: 2000 The Shreveport Times
Contact:  222 Lake Street, Shreveport LA 71130-0222
Fax: (318) 459-3301
Website: http://www.shreveporttimes.com/
Author: Teri Bailey

ADULT DRUG COURT BEGINS THIS MONTH

Success of Bossier-Webster juvenile program leads to
expansion.

Bolstered by early success with a new Bossier-Webster parish juvenile
drug court, its officers are ready to give adults a try.

A 26th Judicial District adult drug court program will begin this
month, with early financial assistance -- $30,000 -- paid by the
Bossier Parish Police Jury. The Adult Drug Court will serve nonviolent
offenders whose crimes are directly related to a substance abuse problem.

Specific to Northwest Louisiana, gambling addictions will be
considered. Candidates will be evaluated before being accepted into
the program, and DWI offenders are not eligible.

Administrators believe the drug court's gambling specialty could help
land federal grant money to keep the program afloat past the first
year. A local law enforcement grant of $20,000 is already in the works
to go toward drug treatment.

Assistant District Attorney Bobby Stromile said the court likely will
charge administrative or probationary fees to program participants to
help repay the parish.

Adults accepted into the program -- like their juvenile counterparts
- -- are given a chance to improve their records by adhering to strict
rules and repeated drug screenings. The goal is to rehabilitate
offenders and keep them out of jail.

The juvenile court, which began in June, has processed 43 clients and
admitted 25 to the program. Of those, 21 are still undergoing
treatment. Three have graduated.

"If you save one person and make that person a productive part of
society, then it's considered a success," Stromile said. "This is not
a slap-your-hand and go-and-sin-no-more type of thing. They have to
work hard -- regular drug screenings, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
Coming out with a clean record is the incentive."

The adult drug court will be housed on the second floor of the Bossier
Parish Health Unit building in Bossier City. The money provided by the
parish will go toward staffing.

Drug court administrator Suzanne Stinson said some similarities exist
between the adult and juvenile drug courts, but adults also will be
expected to seek employment. Organizers have a general idea of the
type of offender they'll accept but will meet in early January to
finish details.

"Even after offenders complete the phases, there's continued care. We
don't just say, 'Congrats, you're on your own,'" Stinson said. "We
maintain contact through drug treatment and other areas.

"It's quite the contrary to being soft on crime because it's very
intensive. You have more responsibility, and there are immediate
consequences. If you come to court and fail a drug screen, you may
spend the weekend in jail."

Stinson said the positive reinforcement the court gives to clients has
helped many improve their lives.

"It has been amazing," she said. "(Juvenile clients) have continued
going to school on a regular basis, and a couple of them are on honor
roll. One received a college scholarship, and one has made the
football team. Every accomplishment they come to court with, we
celebrate. You can't help but get emotional." 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake