[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 86 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1073]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF NATIONAL DRUG COURT MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN BOOZMAN

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2008

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I stand here today to congratulate drug 
courts in Arkansas and nationwide during National Drug Court Month. 
Over 2,100 drug courts in the United States provide an alternative to 
incarceration for non-violent, drug-addicted offenders by combining 
intense judicial supervision, comprehensive substance abuse and mental 
health treatment, random and frequent drug testing, incentives and 
sanctions, clinical case management and life skills services. The 
tireless efforts of the judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, 
treatment providers, rehabilitation experts, child advocates, 
researchers, educators, law enforcement representatives, correctional 
representatives, pre-trial officers and probation officers that are 
involved in drug courts provide substance abusing offenders with the 
much-needed chance at long-term recovery and productive lifestyles.
  I have seen firsthand the impact of the 40 operational drug courts in 
my state, where drug court programs have enhanced public safety, saved 
taxpayer dollars and, most importantly, saved lives. Nearly 1,000 
people have graduated from the program according to state records and 
currently 1,600 people are enrolled all across the state.
  For example, the Fifth Judicial District Drug Court in Russellville, 
Arkansas, has graduated 43 clients since it opened its doors in 2004. 
Four of these drug court graduates have received their college degrees 
and started careers. One client has even advanced into the position of 
general manager for his company. The Fifth Judicial District Drug Court 
has set up a dental plan for clients, along with a work placement 
assistance program. This drug court and its achievements are just a 
small example of what is happening in the numerous drug courts across 
the state of Arkansas. In addition, the efforts of people like Judge 
Mary Ann Gunn and the 4th Judicial District Drug Court have helped make 
the program a success in the Natural State. More than one thousand 
people have been treated through that program that has an 89 percent 
retention rate. Town Hall Meetings held by the group help to promote 
awareness and prevention of substance abuse in our families and 
schools.
  As we face a growing population of drug-addicted offenders in the 
American justice system, we must expand our efforts to bring treatment 
to a larger number of those in need. According to a recent study by the 
Urban Research Institute's Justice Policy Center, approximately 1.5 
million drug-involved offenders should be diverted to drug court, which 
would generate $32.3 billion in savings to American taxpayers. Armed 
with our existing research that drug courts work, reduce recidivism, 
and save lives, we must work on taking drug courts to scale. There is 
no greater opportunity for change in the American justice system and 
there is no greater opportunity to heal families and communities.
  Again, congratulations to the dedicated drug court professionals and 
graduates from Arkansas and around the country on a job well done.

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