Marietta, GA – In celebration of National Drug Court Month, the Cobb Drug Treatment Court provided a Breakfast-on-the-Run before court on Monday, May 15th. The East Cobb Church graciously sponsored the event where participants and DTC staff enjoyed fruit and sandwiches. R.M., a drug court participant, shared that “it is awesome to be recognized by a group of government officials that have seen us at our worst but are helping us be our best.” Treatment courts are considered the most effective strategy for reducing addiction, crime, and recidivism while saving taxpayer dollars. National Drug Court Month provides a platform for these programs to advocate for continued federal, state, and local funding.

National Drug Court Month is coordinated by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. Judge Kimberly A. Childs presides over Cobb’s DTC and said she was thrilled for Cobb to join the National Drug Court Month celebrations occurring nationwide. “Through the efforts of our dedicated team and with the continued support of our stakeholders, the Cobb County Drug Treatment Court transforms the courtroom into a place of hope and healing.” Judge Childs said. “Instead of punishment, we offer evidence-based treatment and compassion to foster a lifetime of sobriety.” Another participant, D.S., thanked Judge Childs and the entire Drug Court team. “This breakfast is recognizing our hard work and we know they care about us,” D.S. said.

The Cobb Drug Treatment Court is an alternative to incarceration for individuals involved in the justice system because of a substance use disorder. The 18- to 24-month program uses a combination of close supervision, individualized treatment, and recovery support to hold offenders accountable for their actions and teach them to be productive members of the community. Cobb’s DTC has graduated 699 participants since the program’s inception. For more information about Cobb’s DTC, including how to support the program, contact Porsha Middlebrook, DTC Coordinator.