A lot of energies came together to make it happen

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December 7, 2012

A lot of energies came together to make it happen

Our opinion The Moultrie Observer The Moultrie Observer Fri Dec 07, 2012, 10:50 PM EST

MOULTRIE — In early January a new concept in jurisprudence will be seen in Colquitt County. In layman’s terms it’s called a mental/drug court because those two issues are often connected. Another term for it is “court of accountability.”

It has been established by numerous studies that putting drug addicts in prison does not solve that problem.

Superior Court Judge Frank Horkan is taking on the role of administering this court.

Here’s the catch. A person is not sentenced to the programs provided by this jurisdiction. A person has to meet certain criteria and must want to be in this process. Typically, the programs to which addicts will be connected run for 18 months. Those who have experience with these court concepts note that it’s not easy. And some addicts will actually choose to go to prison as opposed to seeking help via these programs.

In other words, it’s not a “get out of jail free” card. It’s tough. But it can provide treatment and keep a person from having a criminal record if successfully completed.

Testimony from other jurisdictions show that it’s working ... at least better than just putting addicts in jail.

The seeds of this effort came out of the county’s Archway Project which now has a mental health committee with much energy dedicated from professionals and laymen who have examined the community’s needs in this regard.

At the head of this committee is Lynn Wilson who has worked tirelessly for the cause of improving mental health care here to also include restoration of our Mental Health Center, specialized training for police officers who must often deal with mental issues as well as the formation of a NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness ) chapter for Moultrie.

Applause to Mrs. Wilson, Judge Horkan, Turning Point, Colquitt Regional Medical Center, Georgia Pines and the many agency affiliates and community volunteers who have come together to help improve our community in this regard.

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A lot of energies came together to make it happen

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