Hall County Drug Court celebrated its 15th anniversary Friday with a program that coincided with the tenth anniversary of the Dawson County Drug Court.
As the first accountability court program in Hall County, Drug Court was founded by Judge John Giradeau in 2001 to provide early intervention to those with substance abuse issues.
"It is our goal to provide the necessary structure and treatment which addresses these issues so our graduates can lead productive and meaningful lives," said Debbie Mott, director of Hall County Treatment Services. "By utilizing a treatment model for rehabilitation, we not only restore the lives of our participants but strengthen their families and our community, as a whole."
"Drug Court is the most effective approach the criminal justice system has ever taken to deal with non-violent drug offenders," Giradeau said. "It helps close the well-known revolving door and saves taxpayers money while doing it."
Superior Court Judge Jason Deal, who currently presides over Hall County Drug Court and Dawson County Treatment Court, echoed those sentiments.
"In Drug Court, I have the opportunity to see miracles happen every week. Families are reunited, the sick are healed, tax burdens become tax payers, and the results of faith, grit and determination are revealed," he said.
Drug Court consists of five phases and lasts a minimum of 24 months. It encompasses vocational, educational, and spiritual components in conjunction with providing substance abuse treatment. Participants are required to attend group counseling sessions, submit to drug screens and attend court weekly.
Anyone seeking additional information about the event or Drug Court in general is asked to contact Hall County Treatment Services at 770-536-3837.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/11/471868/hall-dawson-drug-courts-mark-milestones