Pubdate: Fri, 28 May 2004 Source: Tennessean, The (TN) Copyright: 2004 The Tennessean Contact: http://www.tennessean.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/447 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts) DRUG COURTS DESERVE SUPPORT Nashville Drug Court received $655,000 in one-time funding from the legislature this year, a fact that struck some lawmakers from other communities with similar programs as unfair. They may be right that other programs are also deserving. But instead of singling out what is the best known drug court in the state, the legislature should be looking at the long-range needs of all the 50 drug courts established across Tennessee. Judge Seth Norman requested the special funding, warning that the acclaimed program might have to shut its doors in three months unless the state acted. He promised to get further federal funding to keep the court open after that. Federal funds helped create many of the drug courts in the state. The federal government was quick to recognize the importance of steering addicts away from prison and away from their dependence on drugs. Norman has estimated that his court has saved some $15 million in prison costs in the seven years of its existence. Most of the drug courts have been created from state courts. If they need help, the state should be helping out more, not depending on the federal government to pick up the slack when needed. Nashville's program has gained national recognition. The court was cited in the National Drug Control Strategy report in March as a national model. Lawmakers who think the program is a soft approach to crime can think again. Idleness isn't permitted for those who enter the residential treatment program. They have to work their recovery program and work at a job so they'll have an alternative to drugs once they get out. About 35% who enter the program eventually drop out, but among those who stay, the program offers one of the lowest recidivism rates in the country. The General Assembly was right to reward the drug court for this one-time emergency funding. But all drug courts that provide a reasonable alternative to prison deserve the state's attention. Nashville's program shouldn't be the exception; it should be the rule. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom