HILLSBORO, Ore.- On December 17, 2018, the Washington County Adult Drug Court took a break from normal proceedings to celebrate the holidays and the accomplishments of those enrolled in our program. Suits and ties were replaced by holiday costumes and decorations as court staff celebrated the progress of their clients.

Designed as an alternative to prison for those who have struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, the program has helped hundreds of non-violent offenders break the cycle of addiction. Many of these offenders are parents, and one of the main objectives of Drug Court is the reunification of families.

Court staff chipped in and purchased Christmas gifts for the children of the participants. Over a shared meal, the participants, attorneys, judges, and treatment providers had the opportunity to socialize with one another in a more relaxed setting.

“The recovery community is incredibly supportive of one another,” said Rayney Meisel, the Drug Court Deputy District Attorney. “When people do the right things, and stay involved in the community, good things happen. This holiday party is a nice opportunity for people to relax a little, socialize, and celebrate their successes and the good things that come from good choices and good work."

The Washington County Adult Drug Court is a criminal court program designed for some of the county's most seriously drug-involved offenders. Judge Beth L. Roberts administers the Adult Drug Court program which is a collaborative effort between the Washington County District Attorney's Office, the Washington County Probation Department, the Washington County Sheriff's Department, The Department of Human Services, the Public Defender's Office, and Washington County treatment community and treatment programs.

Since its inception in 2005, the Washington County Drug Court program has graduated more than 200 participants and paid back more than $120,000 in restitution to victims. The participants and graduates have had more than 211 years’ worth of state prison sentences deferred and more than 35 years of county jail sentences deferred.  With incarceration costs between $84.00 and $88.00 per person per day, the Washington County Drug Court has saved roughly $7 million in Oregon tax dollars.