04-R 227

2004 -- H 8496

Enacted 05/05/04

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

CELEBRATING MAY 2004 AS "NATIONAL DRUG COURT MONTH"

Introduced By: Representatives Murphy, and Fox

Date Introduced: May 05, 2004

     WHEREAS, Given the sharp increase in criminal filings in courts nationwide, which

were linked to the greater number of drug related crimes and arrests in the mid-80's and high

recidivism rates due to the lack of rehabilitation "drug courts" were created. The first one in

Dade County, Miami, Florida, in 1989; and

     WHEREAS, Drug Courts combine treatment, education, criminal justice, among other

social entities to provide quality focus and leadership in the "war" on drug abuse and crimes.

Graduates of this program acclaim the court's success in granting defendants a rejuvenated

dignity to their lives; and

     WHEREAS, Studies of the recidivism rate of drug court graduates is less than half the

recidivism rate of conventional incarcerated drug offenders. As a result of defendants spending

less time incarcerated, savings related to drug court participants range from $20,000 per year to

several million dollars; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island presently has two drug courts. One in the Family Court to

help drug-exposed infants and their parents maintain a steadfast and successful life together. The

second one is a part-time adult drug court that meets once a week for three hours to help

participants get themselves "back on track,"; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives and the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby declares May 2004 to be "National Drug Court Month,"

celebrating the fine dedication and service of the practitioners and participants who are

responsible for drug courts having such a renown positive effect on diminishing drug usage and

crimes.

=======

LC03344

=======