The program gives offenders resources to turn their lives around.
An Oklahoma program that keeps drug offenders out of prison has been awarded a huge boost to keep its mission going.
The program gives offenders resources to turn their lives around. Oklahoma County’s Diversion Hub was given a million-dollar federal grant to expand how many people can partake in drug court.
“We have been severely under-resourced for a long time,” said Judge Kenneth Stoner, Oklahoma County.
Stoner oversees Oklahoma County’s drug court.
“There really is a lot of positive things that are happening in our community, our treatment courts really get the gold star of what is working well,” Stoner said.
“We know that if we give them the right amount of treatment and accountability, they can get better and avoid a prison sentence,” Stoner said.
Because the program is successful, the judge wants to see more people given the opportunity.
“There are people that meet the criteria for the program. We are having difficulty accepting them because we don’t have the staff or the resources to be able to handle it,” Stoner said.
In 2022, only 57% of qualified drug court applicants were accepted, largely due to lack of funding or personnel.
“It is myself and two others on my team. We represent everyone, in every diversion program in the county,” said Madison Mélon, assistant public defender.
On Monday, it was announced the Oklahoma County Diversion Hub was awarded a $1 million grant by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance. With the money, drug courts will be able to hire more staff, lawyers and case navigators, which means it will be able to greatly increase the number of people in the program.
“And will help even more people avoid prison,” Mélon said.
The money is expected to cover the program over the next four years.
By Zach Rael – KOCO News 5
Tags: Funding Harm Reduction Programs Recovery Assistance
