Baltimore City Circuit Court Adult Drug Treatment Participants Celebrate New Start

Baltimore City Circuit Court Adult Drug Treatment Participants Celebrate New Start

The newest class of graduates from the Baltimore City Circuit Court Adult Drug Treatment Court recently started a new chapter in their lives by completing the drug court program successfully.  On Friday, May 26, seven participants celebrated this accomplishment with family members and friends at a graduation ceremony held in Courthouse East.  Judge Sylvester B. Cox presided over the graduation along with retired Judges Ellen M. Heller and Thomas J.S. Waxter, Jr.

“Completing the drug court program represents a new beginning for this group of graduates who were previously affected by substance abuse and addiction,” Judge Cox said.  “Through the program, these graduates gained knowledge and support that will enable them to make the most of the second chance they have earned.”

Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh served as the keynote speaker for the graduation.

“The graduates from the drug court program made the necessary changes in their lives that will enable them to not only take advantage of professional and personal opportunities that are in front of them, but also positively impact the lives of others throughout the city of Baltimore,” Pugh said.

Baltimore City Circuit Court Clerk’s Assignment Division Manager Daniel Smith was a guest speaker.

“It is great that these graduates have completed the drug court program, but that is the easy part of staying clean,” Smith said.  “I have been drug-free for 30 years, so I know first-hand the hard work and dedication they will need to stay on the right path.”

The Baltimore City Circuit Court Adult Drug Treatment Court strives to break the cycle of recidivism by helping participants recover from addiction and become productive, self-sustaining members of society.  Established as one of the first drug courts in the state in March 1994, the Baltimore City Circuit Court Adult Drug Treatment Court is now one of Maryland’s 35 drug treatment courts.

The Baltimore City Circuit Court website has more information about the drug treatment court program.

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(06-20-2017)

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