Pubdate: Wed, 04 Jun 2003 Source: Ledger-Enquirer (GA) Copyright: 2003 Ledger-Enquirer Contact: http://www.l-e-o.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/237 Author: Meg Pirnie DRUG COURT CLASS GRADUATES Youths Get Clean, Records Cleared Deciding to remain drug-free and build successful lives requires hard work but is worth the sacrifice, Muscogee Superior Court Judge Frank J. Jordan Jr. told the most recent graduates of Muscogee County Juvenile Drug Court Tuesday. Success means deciding -- each and every day -- to stay off drugs and look to the future, he said. But the young people listening to Jordan's commencement speech already had learned its lessons. They were moments away from receiving certificates marking their success in fighting drug use and the cleansing of their criminal records of whatever offenses brought them to Drug Court. The program allows youths whose non-violent behavior landed them in Juvenile Court to fight drug and alcohol problems while clearing their criminal records. Both youths and their parents must agree to follow the six-month program's rules and requirements, which include counseling and drug testing. The program results in drug-free youth with a renewed sense of self-value and direction, attorney Andrew Dodgen said. "This program puts to the test our belief in the value of the individual," he said. Several graduates thanked the staff for support during the program and for demonstrating that drugs ruin lives. "I learned I do not need drugs," one graduate said. "I need an education." He vowed to returned to high school, receive good grades and graduate. One past Drug Court participant warned the graduates to avoid the friends who introduced them to drugs. He said he stopped using marijuana for a few months, but resumed once he saw old friends again. It took a renewed commitment to saving himself to stop the cycle. "It's serious," he said, "and getting off drugs is going to save my life." Drug Court Director Carol Scherer said that since Drug Court began operating nearly three years ago, 40 youths have completed the program. Of those graduates, 90 percent have remained drug-free and delinquency-free. "We're really proud of these kids," she said. "We believe these kids can be useful citizens." Court organizers hope to expand the program to Harris County and Talbot County to help youths outside Columbus, Scherer said. They are anxiously waiting to hear whether the program will receive additional funding this summer when its latest grant expires. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens