July 22, 2024 3:20 a.m.

The Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court will hold its 106th graduation on Tuesday at 5:15 p.m.

It will take place in the Community Conference Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Professor Mark T. Harris J.D., Director of Pre-Law Studies at the University of California and managing attorney for the Northern California and Central Valley offices of Ben Crump Law, will be the keynote speaker for the graduation ceremony.

The release from the Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council said H.O.P.E. Drug Court is distinct from other courts as it primarily focuses on the well-being of the participants who benefit from drug rehabilitation. This program promotes fresh thinking, helping participants gain insight to better achieve acceptance and providing the necessary tools to build a support network. Therapy sessions are held to assist in developing coping mechanisms. Participants work to achieve financial stability, re-establish family connections if applicable, gain employment or engage in education, and maintain personal growth and sobriety post-graduation.

Achievements from the five new graduates include:

*196 downward departure months: The amount of time that could have been spent in prison instead of in the local program.

*Over $1 million saved in prison cost by staying local.

*17 months on average for these participants to complete and graduate from the program

*7 children and 4 grandchildren positively impacted by having a parent/grandparent in the program.

*3 RSAT graduates: RSAT is the Residential Substance Abuse Program in the county that houses up to 12 men and 6 women for a 120-to-180-day treatment program separate from the regular jail population. Those who successfully graduate from RSAT continue into the H.O.P.E. Drug Court program.

The Honorable Judge Robert B. Johnson will talk more about the program on Inside Douglas County Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. on News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN