A specialty court program is celebrating two more graduates in Mercer County.
Mercer County Drug Court launched in 2023 at the Mercer County Courthouse. The program targets people in the criminal justice system who are dealing with substance abuse and aims to treat their addiction and help reintegrate them into society.
A person can plead into the program if they’re charged with a non-aggravated felony and receive a referral from their attorney or the state if it’s deemed that they are committing crimes because of their substance abuse issue. Once in the Drug Court, the participant receives substance abuse treatment and random drug tests multiple times a week, among other check-ins.
The Mercer County Drug Court consists of a judge, the State’s Attorney’s office, a public defender, a treatment provider, and the probation office.
The program held a ceremony for two graduates on Monday at the Mercer County Courthouse.
Drug Court Probation Officer Kaitlyn Krack says it’s a rewarding effort to be a part of.
One person graduated from the program last year.
You can follow the program on its Facebook page.