Drug Court
The Douglas County Drug Court (Program H.O.P.E.) was opened in January of 1996 under the guidance of Judge Robert C. Millikan who continues to preside over the program. H.O.P.E. is an acronym standing for Help, Opportunity, Pride, Emancipation.
The Douglas County Drug Court is an integrated court treatment program for drug and alcohol addicted offenders. The team includes a:
- Human services representatives
- Judge
- Law enforcement
- Mental health provider
- Probation officer
- Prosecutor
- Public defender
- Treatment agency
Purpose of Drug Courts
Drug Courts are a relatively recent phenomenon. These courts are designed to speed up the process of moving offenders into treatment. Drug Courts dramatically intensify court supervision of treatment requirements for drug offenders and addicts, immediately respond to treatment performance with positive and/or negative sanctions and by streamlining the process, and save a great deal of public money while greatly improving treatment outcomes with offenders.
Goals of the H.O.P.E. Program
The goals of the H.O.P.E. Program are to reduce recidivism and to improve the lifestyle of its participants. While the program is designed to be completed in one year, the average length of time to complete is probably closer to 18 months. upon successful completion, the offender has their criminal charges dropped.
Success Rate
As of January 2002, there have been 198 graduates of Program H.O.P.E. and over 20 babies born "drug-free" to active Drug Court participants.
Many families have been reunited because of newly sober and employed parents. Many of our participants have obtained high school diplomas or started college. Many have gained the pride and self-confidence needed to succeed in today's world without the use of drugs. Many participants have regained their physical health.
Court Session Times
The Douglas County Drug Court holds its court sessions every Monday at 9 am and Thursday at 8:30 am. They also have sessions on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 5 pm To learn more about the H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program you may call the Drug Court, Monday through Friday, at 541-957-2441.