Exhibit’s opening reception will be held July 25 in Circuit Courthouse

(Annapolis, MD — July 19, 2006) Self-portraits and essays created by 17 participants in the Anne Arundel County Juvenile Treatment Court, the county’s juvenile drug treatment court, will be on display in the Anne Arundel County Circuit Courthouse lobby through August 15. The court will celebrate its participants’ accomplishments with an exhibition opening reception on Tuesday, July 25, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the courthouse, located at 7 Church Circle in Annapolis.

Since the fall of 2003, the Anne Arundel County Juvenile Treatment Court has been working with VisionWorkshops to give court participants an outlet through photography and writing. Through “Insights: The Identity Project,” the teens create personal, reflective photos and essays, and at the end of the year, their work is displayed in the courthouse.

In the exhibit, the teens write about themselves, reflecting on past experiences, present frustrations and accomplishments, and future goals.

Since the state’s first drug treatment court was established in Baltimore City in 1994, 30 other drug treatment courts have been formed in Maryland. Eight more are in the planning stages around the state. Maryland has 14 juvenile drug courts established and two more in the planning stages.

Drug treatment courts incorporate varying levels of treatment as well as vocational, educational, and life skills training and other services to address issues that contribute to drug abuse and criminal behavior.

Media are welcome to attend, but advance permission to bring a camera to the event is required. Please contact the Court Information Office at (410) 260-1488 for more information.