[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10965]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL DRUG COURT MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2008

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support and 
recognition of May as National Drug Court Month.
  Since the first drug court was created in 1989 drug courts have been 
a legitimate alternative to incarceration for nonviolent, drug-addicted 
offenders.
  By combining judicial supervision, comprehensive substance abuse and 
mental health treatment, random and frequent drug testing, incentives 
and sanctions, clinical case management and life skills services drug 
courts provide substance abusing offenders with the much-needed chance 
at long-term recovery and productive lifestyles.
  My home State of Maryland is a leader in the drug court movement. The 
Drug Treatment Court Commission was established in 2003 by Chief Judge 
Robert M. Bell of the Maryland Court of Appeals. The Commission has 
supported the development of 40 drug courts throughout the State so 
that Maryland can effectively respond to the thousands of individuals 
arrested in Maryland who are dependent on drugs and/or alcohol.
  Drug courts work. According to an April 2008 evaluation of the 
Harford County District Court Adult Drug Court program participants 
were significantly less likely to be re-arrested than offenders who 
were eligible for the program but did not participate. In Harford 
County and throughout the State drug courts are making a difference. 
During May, National Drug Court Month, I am proud to share that 30 
graduations are being held across the State.
  Drug courts play an important role in breaking the cycle of addiction 
and crime and will help to reduce the over-reliance on incarceration 
for the addicted. We must do all that we can to maximize the impact of 
drug courts across the Nation.
  I applaud the work that the Maryland Drug Treatment Court Commission 
is doing and I congratulate all of the dedicated drug court 
professionals and graduates from Maryland and around the country.

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