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OFFENDERS GO THROUGH 'DRUG COURT' PROGRAM

Five drug offenders comprised the first "class" to go through Clay County Drug Court, an alternative to jail time for drug offenders.

"It's neither a slap on the wrist nor is it an easy way out," Associate Judge Rex Gabbert told the graduates and a small audience.  "It's a real challenge that you have accomplished."

Prosecutor Don Norris said he initially opposed the concept, but no longer.

"There are some who will never be able to do what you have done," Norris said.  "But for those of you who can succeed, it's an opportunity to return to the community and to contribute.  It's better for you and it's better for Clay County."

Begun in 2002, the court has 40 participants.  Each must complete four treatment phases that can take up to 18 months.  Failure can mean a return to jail.  Each phase includes mandatory random urine analysis and unannounced house checks.  The program also includes emotional counseling and activities such as Narcotics or Alcoholics Anonymous.

Through it all, the emphasis is on breaking the drug-use cycle in order to keep individuals off drugs, said JoAnn Werner, associate director of Tri-County Mental Health Services.

"All you need to do is look at our jails and see the repeat offenders with drug problems," Werner said.  "Clearly, we will never solve that problem until we treat the real cause-the substance abuse itself."

In northwest Missouri, drug court programs have achieved success rates of 95-100 percent, according to program supporters.

The circuit court, public de-fender, prosecutor, probation and parole, law enforcement and Tri-County Mental Health Services cooperated to provide the court.

Bill Grigsby, Chiefs announcer and community leader, attended the ceremony for the first five people to leave the program.

"I've seen a lot of people overcome challenges in their lives," Grigsby said, and gave a list of sports events.  "This first graduation of the Clay County Drug Court is just as important.  I'm so proud you have succeeded."