Hinds County began a Drug Court in March 2000. Patricia Bennett was appointed in January as Drug Court judge. The program has 56 participants. The Hinds County program starts with 28 to 42 days of drug rehabilitation center treatment. Hinds County pays most of the cost.
Most participants are indigent.
In phase two, participants live in group homes for about six weeks and continue in counseling. They report for weekly drug screening. They work and pay for housing and food. The third phase includes drug screening and meeting twice a month with Bennett. She requires some to receive domestic violence or anger management counseling.