Pubdate: Sat, 23 Aug 2014
Source: Columbus Dispatch (OH)
Copyright: 2014 Scott Vanderkarr
Contact:  http://www.dispatch.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/93
Author: Scott Vanderkarr

COUNTY'S SPECIALIZED COURTS GIVE OFFENDERS A CHANCE AT NEW LIVES

I respond to Wednesday's op-ed column by Jack D'Aurora regarding the
use of drug courts to reduce Ohio's inmate population. D'Aurora
pointed out many of the benefits of drug courts, but the need for
specialized dockets extends beyond drug-treatment courts.

I am proud to say that Franklin County's judges have been proactive in
reducing incarceration and recidivism rates through the operation of
seven specialized dockets, four of which are drug courts.

In the Common Pleas Court, Judge Dana Preisse has operated the Family
Drug Court in the Domestic Relations and Juvenile Division since 2002
and the Treatment is Essential to Success (TIES) program has operated
since 2004, with Judge Stephen McIntosh currently presiding.

In Municipal Court, I conduct the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Program
(ADAP), which began in 2009 and eventually required a second drug
court focusing solely on opiate addiction (mostly heroin).

Municipal Court provides three other specialized dockets: Judge David
Tyack pre-sides over the Mental Health program, which began in 2004;
Judge Paul Herbert started Changing Actions to Change Habits (CATCH)
in 2009 to focus on human trafficking; and Judge Ted Barrows presides
over the Military and Veteran Service (MAVS) specialized docket, which
began in 2012.

Although most participants receive mental-health counseling, many also
require substance-abuse treatment.

In June, Gov. John Kasich and Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor presented
the Ohio Judicial Symposium on Opiate Addiction. Department of
Rehabilitation and Corrections Director Gary Mohr presented data
demonstrating that Ohio cannot incarcerate its way out of drug
addiction or mental illness.

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services compiled
data for each county, which revealed that as of May 31, 44.5 of every
10,000 people in Franklin County were incarcerated -- slightly higher
than the statewide average of 43.7. But Franklin County's drug courts
appear to be an effective alternative: In 2013, Franklin County judges
incarcerated only 11.1 percent of people convicted of drug offenses,
placing it in the lowest 15 percent of all counties.

Without the continued support of elected officials and treatment and
service providers, specialized dockets would have little success.
County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien was instrumental in starting ADAP and
CATCH, and he continues to support the programs today.

City Attorney Richard C. Pfeiffer Jr. and Public Defender Yeura
Venters assign specially trained attorneys to each courtroom. Columbus
City Council and the Franklin County Board of Commissioners continue
to provide funding in exchange for increased public safety and cost
savings in jail nights, fewer police resources spent on the same
individuals and the reunification of families.

Specialized dockets provide a unique intersection of the courts and
social services. Support staff and probation officers link the
participants to appropriate treatment services. Other causes of
criminal behavior also must be addressed, so participants work to find
stable housing, build and maintain healthy personal relationships with
family and friends, resolve medical and dental concerns, further their
educations by obtaining GEDs or entering college and find gainful employment.

Participants must satisfy their conditions of probation, including the
program requirements. The court receives frequent updates from the
treatment team, and participants are required to attend court
regularly, so the judge may impose immediate and graduated sanctions
for transgressions and incentives to reward achievements.

Participants also bond as a group and lend support to each
other.

Specialized dockets are effective. They teach and reinforce
accountability while giving people a new start on life. I appreciate
that D'Aurora has highlighted the need for and benefits of these
innovative programs.

Scott Vanderkarr

Judge

Franklin County Municipal Court  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D