Seven years ago the first drug court was established in Jackson County. Two years ago a task force of the judicial conference recommended and you passed a bill authorizing drug courts statewide. Today twenty-two drug courts are in operation in Missouri with another seventeen in planning stages. The benefits of drug courts are clear. Instead of sending a non-violent drug offender to prison, he or she is provided treatment under judicial supervision.
Cost savings are substantial and the likelihood of rehabilitation is greatly increased.
Statewide we have had 869 individuals graduate from drug court with only 34 being rearrested or convicted for new crimes. Drug courts are the right and the efficient thing to do. Drug courts also have a place outside of the adult criminal system. Jackson and Newton counties are initiating family drug courts. Juvenile drug courts have been established in Newton and Scott counties and Saint Louis City.