County of Gaston issued the following announcement on May 16.
This May, Gaston County Recovery Court joins the more than 4,000 treatment courts nationwide in celebrating National Drug Court Month. This year alone more than 150,000 individuals nationwide who enter the criminal justice system due to addiction will receive lifesaving treatment and the chance to repair their lives and find long-term recovery. National Drug Court Month is a celebration of the lives restored by treatment courts, and it sends the powerful message that these programs must be expanded to reach more people in need.
Gaston County implemented Recovery Court in July 2021 to address the growing problem of addiction in our community. The Court employs a team approach to support participants and provide consistency to the program. The team includes Superior Court Judge David Phillips and members of the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office, Gaston County Public Defender’s Office, North Carolina Community Corrections, Phoenix Counseling Center, Gaston County Sheriff’s Office and the Gaston County Police Department. Participants enter the program as a condition of felony probation and must complete five phases of recovery court during the following 12-14 months. The program focuses on treatment and accountability in order to provide participants with the tools needed to restore their lives and return to being productive members of society. Treatment courts save taxpayer’s money by reducing incarceration costs and reducing the number of non-violent offenders in the court system.
On Wednesday May 18th at 3:00 PM members of the media are invited to attend a special meeting of the Recovery Court team and participants as they make a special presentation in recognition of National Drug Court Month. The media can interact with team members and any participants that wish to speak about the program. The presentation will take place in the Grand Jury room (4th floor) of the Gaston County Courthouse.
For further information, contact Assistant Chief Myron Shelor, Gaston County Police Department at 704-866-3332.
Original source can be found here.
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