In celebration of “National Drug Court Month” the Mansfield Municipal Treatment Court held a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at the Rehab Center located at 270 Sterkel Blvd. Mansfield, OH. Dr. Brett Toward, MD from Third Street Family Health will be the key note speaker. Dr. Toward graduated from Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine in 1996 and has been practicing family medicine for 22 years. The Honorable Judge Frank Ardis Jr. and Honorable Judge Jerry Ault will also speak and present certificates.
This graduation ceremony marks the successful completion of the intensive probation program that includes comprehensive mental health and drug and alcohol treatment. All participants are closely supervised throughout the program to provide accountability for the participants. The graduation also marks the beginning of a life of sobriety where accountability becomes a character trait and participants continue their journey to become sober and productive citizens.
The Court was founded in 1997 and has served defendants with substance abuse issues for over 20 years. The Court is one of about 2,500 operational Drug Courts in the United States and is certified by the Ohio Supreme Court. This type of specialty docket reduces correctional costs, protects community safety, and improves public welfare.
In Treatment Court, seriously addicted individuals remain in treatment for long periods of time while under close supervision. The participants must meet their obligations to themselves, their families, the Court and society. To ensure accountability, offenders are regularly tested for drug and alcohol, and are subjected to random visits at their home and throughout the community. Participants are required to appear for a Court Review hearing at least two times per month so the Presiding Judges can ensure the participants are in compliance with the Court. The Review hearing includes probation officers and treatment providers who discuss participant’s progress. They are rewarded for doing well or sanctioned for not living up to their obligations.