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2014 SESSION

14103130D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 139
Offered January 13, 2014
Commending the Richmond Adult Drug Treatment Court.
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Patron-- Carr
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WHEREAS, in 2013, the Richmond Adult Drug Treatment Court celebrated 15 years of helping nonviolent felony offenders lead clean and sober lives; and

WHEREAS, founded in 1998, the goal of the Richmond Adult Drug Treatment Court is to reduce drug use and drug-related crimes by providing therapy and court supervision through innovative probation techniques and outpatient treatment services unique to the individual; and

WHEREAS, admission to the program is voluntary and many participants may not receive reduced sentences upon completion; their primary motivation for joining the program is often to lead a drug-free life; and

WHEREAS, the Richmond Adult Drug Treatment Court program includes daily drug testing, individual and group counseling, and membership in 12-step programs for a minimum of 18 months; and

WHEREAS, creating an environment of responsibility and accountability, participants in the Richmond Adult Drug Treatment Court program must also carry out community service, attend community recovery meetings, and appear before a circuit court judge to ensure program compliance; and

WHEREAS, the Richmond Adult Drug Treatment Court helps participants become productive members of society by providing vocational training and job placement services; during the program, participants must be employed or full-time students, and over 79 percent of program completers are still employed; and

WHEREAS, the Richmond Adult Drug Treatment Court has achieved many successes, graduating over 300 participants since its inception; the program has led to significantly lower recidivism rates and lower costs to taxpayers in the Richmond area; and

WHEREAS, individuals who complete the treatment are more likely to remain drug free, and the Richmond Adult Drug Treatment Court has inspired many individuals to believe that “Your past is not your potential”; and

WHEREAS, the Richmond Adult Drug Treatment Court celebrated its 15th anniversary on December 13, 2013, with a special commemorative program; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Richmond Adult Drug Treatment Court, a groundbreaking program that has helped hundreds of individuals in the Richmond area live drug-free and crime-free lives, on the occasion of its 15th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Richmond Adult Drug Treatment Court as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the court’s dedication to bettering the community.