New drug court program aims at rehab

Sue Doyle

Harbor Justice Center started a drug court program this week in an

attempt to rehabilitate nonviolent addicts charged with felony drug

possession.

The rigorous, four-phase program includes counseling, court

appearances, probation officer supervision, self-help meetings and

frequent drug testing.

Authorities will also visit participants’ homes, which are subject to

search and seizure during the program.

In addition, participants without high school diplomas must earn their

GED before drug court graduation. Participants with children are required

to attend special parenting and educational classes.

Every courthouse in Orange County houses a drug court. In California,

there are more than 80 drug courts serving 8,000 people.