Adult Felony Drug Court offers a chance for substance abusing, non-violent offenders to avoid jail time. But believe me ladies and gentlemen, this is no "Get out of Jail Free" card!

Those that admit that they have a problem with addition AND appear sincere in their interest to get clean, sign up for a very structured twenty-one (21) month agreement. First, they undergo intense in-or outpatient treatment. Once they are released by a certified therapist, they begin reporting to a probation officer - TWICE a week. They attend a WEEKLY drug court session in from of a judge,

provide urine samples two times a week, attend an NA or AA meeting EVERY day for a specified amount of time and also must be actively seeking employment or furthering their education.

This is a tough and consuming process for participants. Most are addicted to heroin when they are accepted into the program. A significant percentage are hooked on crack cocaine and others have let alcohol, opiates, or marijuana take control of their lives. Getting clean takes a serious commitment on their part.

And for the majority, the program works. Mothers AND fathers have regained sole custody of their kids. Some have become gainfully employed for the first time in their lives. Others are hitting the books and working to earn a GED. This program returns people to productive and meaningful lives.

In terms of cost, the program is nowhere near the costs of jailtime. It costs Macomb County fifty-six dollars ($56) a day to house someone at the county jail. In one year alone, this program avoided nearly twenty-four thousand (24,000) jail days for a whopping savings of one point three (1.3) million dollars.

While a large, multi-year grant from the Department of Corrections has helped to launch the program, participants also help to cover expenses through fees that they - or their medical insurance - pay.

Substance abuse is a serious threat to our community. This program not only saves taxpayers dollars but also the lives of those that successfully graduate to become sober, productive citizens.