Ontario County Alternatives To Incarceration: Drug Court Works

Comments from Staff of Finger Lakes Drug Court, which was created in August, 2000:

Lisa Schutz, Co-ordinator of the Finger Lakes Drug Court writes:

Finger Lakes Drug Court (FLDC) has been in operation since August 25, 2000. I have been part of the team from the planning stage and will continue to be a part of the team. Upon attending seminars and other drug courts, I am continually amazed at the effect and outcome of the cases. Having been previously employed in a Substance Abuse Treatment Facility as Clinic Receptionist I can comprehend both sides (treatment and the court) and to combine the two is a wonderful progress in the justice system. As co-ordinator, I handle the calendar, updating cases, preparing information for weekly team meetings, ordering of supplies and creating forms and brochures. I see FLDC as very successful. The team we have is devoted to making it happen for the City of Canandaigua and eventually the County of Ontario.

Bill Hastings, Lieutenant of the Geneva City Police Department writes:

It's enjoyable to work with a dedicated team of hard-working professionals who are trying to make a difference in the lives of Drug Court participants. Drug Court works--I've seen participants at Drug Court who are in treatment and heard their success stories. They are taking responsibility for their lives and helping themselves to overcome their addiction--one day at a time.

Barb Oliver, Team Manager at FLACRA’s (Finger Lakes Addictions Counseling & Referral Agency) Clifton Springs, writes:

I have been a drug court team member since its inception. As a representative of a community-based treatment agency, I have been involved in both the planning and implementation stages of the Finger Lakes Drug Court.

I am fully supportive the this project, both from a theoretical point of view as well as in giving of my time to assure it’s success. I believe that drug court is the only way to "make a difference" in the recidivism rates in the criminal justice system, and to impact the chronic, continued abuse use of substances.

As FLDC has become operational, and has begun accepting clients, my role has grown to include case management of these initial clients. This has involved initial screening, referral to treatment agencies, tracking of client progress, and liaison to community resources.

I like being an integral part of the drug court team because it is an exciting, grassroots effort which is proving to be successful with hard-core addictions clients. It is both personally and professionally satisfying for me. look forward to a continued involvement, and renewed commitment in support of FLDC, as we continue to grow.

Ginny Gumaer, Alternatives To Incarceration Coordinator, (and a former probation officer) writes:

I like working for the Drug Court because the Drug Court Program is such a perfect fit for what ATI is all about. It gives hope to people who thought they had no hope left and who had given up on themselves. It is much more of a partnership between the offender and the court and the offender knows that the Judge genuinely cares about them and their road to recovery from substance abuse. They know there is an entire team of people working behind the scenes on their behalf and that everyone really wants to see them succeed and turn their life around. It is an incredibly rewarding feeling to be involved in this program.

Janet Bohs, Chief Clerk of the Canandaigua City Court writes:

I have been working at Canandaigua City Court for 19 years and have always seen the punishment side of sentencing. You paid a fine, had your license revoked, or went to jail. The Drug Court has been the first time the judicial system has concentrated on treatment, and hopefully improving the lives of the participants, and indirectly the community as a whole. If you could just listen in on a Drug Court session and hear the participants plead for some help to turn their lives around, you would become an instant convert. I am proud to now be part of a team that is dedicated to saving lives of those addicted to substance abuse. In the short time we have been operational, I have seen the difference we have made in the lives of our participants. We are proud when they achieve a milestone, and sad when they slip in their treatment, but we are always there to help them achieve their goal.

Dan Ball, Canandaigua City Police Officer, writes:

I have worked with the Canandaigua City Police Department for eight years and am currently working as the Community Police officer and Finger Lakes Drug Court liaison. I believe that the Drug Court is a highly effective way to combat the revolving door of crime. I truly believe that a court-supervised treatment atmosphere combined with immediate sanctions and graduated incentives is the answer when you are trying to effect positive changes in the individuals who commit crimes to support their habits.

I am willing to do whatever I can to help the Drug Court succeed. My current responsibilities include acting as the eyes and ears for the court by supervising the drug court participant in the community. I also am a part of the staffing team and as such I assist the team in making decisions about the drug court participant. Recently, I have been able to link several people to the drug court that are acting as sponsors and providing transportation to support meetings for the drug court participants. I have also linked the local Salvation Army as one of our community service outlets. As the court liaison, I recently set up officer training at the Canandaigua City Police Department.

Ronald P. Lipincott, Director of the Ontario County Probation Department, writes:

For the past several months I have been part of the team assembled to plan, implement and operate the Finger Lakes Drug Court. Without reservation, I support the operation of the Drug Court in Ontario County as it is an extension of Probation’s on going efforts to engage offenders in substance abuse treatment while also holding them accountable.

While I currently devote about 5% of my time to planning and operation of the Drug Court, I envision the amount of time increasing as the Drug Court evolves and expands. I also envision the Probation Department in general playing an expanded role in the Drug Court’s operation through the preparation of pre-plea, pre-sentence reports on offenders being considered for the Drug Court and supervising offenders participating in Drug Court.

In closing, be assured of my individual support and that of the Probation Department as the Finger Lakes Drug Court continues to evolve.

Fred Reed, an attorney and City Councilmember, writes:

There is no greater reward than making a positive difference in other people's lives. The Drug Court team members--police, prosecutor, probation officer, counselors, Judge and court staff-- all believe that by working together we're making a positive difference in other people's lives.

I'm a local attorney appointed to create and serve the Drug Court. I explain what the Drug Court means to each participant and help the participant through the process of completing Drug Court. Without Drug Court, many of these participants--mostly young and coming from broken homes--would never quit using drugs and would continue to commit crimes, destroy their lives and burden our society. What is different about Drug Court is that through constant drug testing and close supervision addicts are held more accountable for treatment so that they either quit drugs or go to jail.

David Barszewski, Senior Substance Abuse Counselor at Turnings, writes:

Drug court provides an opportunity for individuals to resolve an issue that brings them into the criminal justice system. For those who admit a drug problem that is contributing to their legal difficulties it provides an alternative to incarceration. In this alternative failures to comply with treatment and court mandates are responded to with immediate and graduated consequences. It's a carrot and stick approach that encourages persons with substance problems to resolve those problems and not keep cycling through the system.

William J. Hart, Esq., Assistant District Attorney writes:

The Finger Lakes Drug Court Treatment Court is an exciting, new approach to the challenge of dealing with drug-addicted defendants. The establishment of the Finger Lakes Drug Treatment Court provides this community with an innovative means of attempting to improve public safety and reduce recidivism rates.

I have been involved with the "drug court team" since its inception. I look forward to referring cases from some of my other courts once "hub designation" is achieved.

In my role as Assistant District Attorney, I have reviewed cases with law enforcement officials and treatment providers to determine whether defendants are proper candidates for referral to the drug treatment court. My responsibilities include working with law enforcement officials to screen cases for referral and making sure that the drug court defendants are held accountable when program violations occur.

I look forward to continuing our collaborative effort in dealing with the county's drug-addicted defendants. Hopefully, our efforts will assist these defendants in becoming productive members of society, thereby enhancing public safety in our community.

Linda Potter, MSW Intern, Greater Rochester Collaborative Program, writes:

I am a student intern at Turnings. I am interested in alternative responses to substance abuse, other than incarceration. It has been an enlightening experience to witness the development of this worthy program, by so many caring and dedicated professionals. The collaborative process is alive and well in the City of Canandaigua.

June E. Fisher, CSW, CASAC, Director at TURNINGS, writes:

I enjoy opportunities to participate in program development projects that positively impact citizens of our county. The Drug Treatment Court model has literally saved lives across the country. In addition it saves society thousands of dollars.

TURNINGS has demonstrated continuous support for the Finger Lakes Drug Treatment Court over the past year through staff participation in weekly planning meetings, technical drug court trainings and conferences.

Currently, TURNINGS staff provide urine screening on court appearance days as well as on-going technical assistance regarding substance abuse treatment. In addition, TURNINGS provides outpatient services for the uninsured working poor and indigent populations. Over the past year TURNINGS has committed approximately $9,000 worth of in-kind resources to the development of the court.

At this time, the Finger Lakes Drug Court is well positioned to meet the needs of substance abusers in the criminal justice system. In order to fully implement the court as designed, it will require financial resources well beyond what has been available over the past year. An implementation grant has been developed and will be submitted for funding.

	Drug Court Works Comments from Staff of Finger Lakes Drug Court, which was created in August, 2000: Lisa Schutz, Co-ordinator of the Finger Lakes Drug Court writes: Finger Lakes Drug Court (FLDC) has been in operation since August 25, 2000. I have been part of the team from the planning stage and will continue to be a part of the team. Upon attending seminars and other drug courts, I am continually amazed at the effect and outcome of the cases. Having been previously employed in a Substance Abuse Treatment Facility as Clinic Receptionist I can comprehend both sides (treatment and the court) and to combine the two is a wonderful progress in the justice system. As co-ordinator, I handle the calendar, updating cases, preparing information for weekly team meetings, ordering of supplies and creating forms and brochures. I see FLDC as very successful. The team we have is devoted to making it happen for the City of Canandaigua and eventually the County of Ontario. Bill Hastings, Lieutenant of the Geneva City Police Department writes: It's enjoyable to work with a dedicated team of hard-working professionals who are trying to make a difference in the lives of Drug Court participants. Drug Court works--I've seen participants at Drug Court who are in treatment and heard their success stories. They are taking responsibility for their lives and helping themselves to overcome their addiction--one day at a time. Barb Oliver, Team Manager at FLACRA’s (Finger Lakes Addictions Counseling & Referral Agency) Clifton Springs, writes: I have been a drug court team member since its inception. As a representative of a community-based treatment agency, I have been involved in both the planning and implementation stages of the Finger Lakes Drug Court. I am fully supportive the this project, both from a theoretical point of view as well as in giving of my time to assure it’s success. I believe that drug court is the only way to "make a difference" in the recidivism rates in the criminal justice system, and to impact the chronic, continued abuse use of substances. As FLDC has become operational, and has begun accepting clients, my role has grown to include case management of these initial clients. This has involved initial screening, referral to treatment agencies, tracking of client progress, and liaison to community resources. I like being an integral part of the drug court team because it is an exciting, grassroots effort which is proving to be successful with hard-core addictions clients. It is both personally and professionally satisfying for me. look forward to a continued involvement, and renewed commitment in support of FLDC, as we continue to grow. Ginny Gumaer, Alternatives To Incarceration Coordinator, (and a former probation officer) writes: I like working for the Drug Court because the Drug Court Program is such a perfect fit for what ATI is all about. It gives hope to people who thought they had no hope left and who had given up on themselves. It is much more of a partnership between the offender and the court and the offender knows that the Judge genuinely cares about them and their road to recovery from substance abuse. They know there is an entire team of people working behind the scenes on their behalf and that everyone really wants to see them succeed and turn their life around. It is an incredibly rewarding feeling to be involved in this program. Janet Bohs, Chief Clerk of the Canandaigua City Court writes: I have been working at Canandaigua City Court for 19 years and have always seen the punishment side of sentencing. You paid a fine, had your license revoked, or went to jail. The Drug Court has been the first time the judicial system has concentrated on treatment, and hopefully improving the lives of the participants, and indirectly the community as a whole. If you could just listen in on a Drug Court session and hear the participants plead for some help to turn their lives around, you would become an instant convert. I am proud to now be part of a team that is dedicated to saving lives of those addicted to substance abuse. In the short time we have been operational, I have seen the difference we have made in the lives of our participants. We are proud when they achieve a milestone, and sad when they slip in their treatment, but we are always there to help them achieve their goal. Dan Ball, Canandaigua City Police Officer, writes: I have worked with the Canandaigua City Police Department for eight years and am currently working as the Community Police officer and Finger Lakes Drug Court liaison. I believe that the Drug Court is a highly effective way to combat the revolving door of crime. I truly believe that a court-supervised treatment atmosphere combined with immediate sanctions and graduated incentives is the answer when you are trying to effect positive changes in the individuals who commit crimes to support their habits. I am willing to do whatever I can to help the Drug Court succeed. My current responsibilities include acting as the eyes and ears for the court by supervising the drug court participant in the community. I also am a part of the staffing team and as such I assist the team in making decisions about the drug court participant. Recently, I have been able to link several people to the drug court that are acting as sponsors and providing transportation to support meetings for the drug court participants. I have also linked the local Salvation Army as one of our community service outlets. As the court liaison, I recently set up officer training at the Canandaigua City Police Department. Ronald P. Lipincott, Director of the Ontario County Probation Department, writes: For the past several months I have been part of the team assembled to plan, implement and operate the Finger Lakes Drug Court. Without reservation, I support the operation of the Drug Court in Ontario County as it is an extension of Probation’s on going efforts to engage offenders in substance abuse treatment while also holding them accountable. While I currently devote about 5% of my time to planning and operation of the Drug Court, I envision the amount of time increasing as the Drug Court evolves and expands. I also envision the Probation Department in general playing an expanded role in the Drug Court’s operation through the preparation of pre-plea, pre-sentence reports on offenders being considered for the Drug Court and supervising offenders participating in Drug Court. In closing, be assured of my individual support and that of the Probation Department as the Finger Lakes Drug Court continues to evolve. Fred Reed, an attorney and City Councilmember, writes: There is no greater reward than making a positive difference in other people's lives. The Drug Court team members--police, prosecutor, probation officer, counselors, Judge and court staff-- all believe that by working together we're making a positive difference in other people's lives. I'm a local attorney appointed to create and serve the Drug Court. I explain what the Drug Court means to each participant and help the participant through the process of completing Drug Court. Without Drug Court, many of these participants--mostly young and coming from broken homes--would never quit using drugs and would continue to commit crimes, destroy their lives and burden our society. What is different about Drug Court is that through constant drug testing and close supervision addicts are held more accountable for treatment so that they either quit drugs or go to jail. David Barszewski, Senior Substance Abuse Counselor at Turnings, writes: Drug court provides an opportunity for individuals to resolve an issue that brings them into the criminal justice system. For those who admit a drug problem that is contributing to their legal difficulties it provides an alternative to incarceration. In this alternative failures to comply with treatment and court mandates are responded to with immediate and graduated consequences. It's a carrot and stick approach that encourages persons with substance problems to resolve those problems and not keep cycling through the system. William J. Hart, Esq., Assistant District Attorney writes: The Finger Lakes Drug Court Treatment Court is an exciting, new approach to the challenge of dealing with drug-addicted defendants. The establishment of the Finger Lakes Drug Treatment Court provides this community with an innovative means of attempting to improve public safety and reduce recidivism rates. I have been involved with the "drug court team" since its inception. I look forward to referring cases from some of my other courts once "hub designation" is achieved. In my role as Assistant District Attorney, I have reviewed cases with law enforcement officials and treatment providers to determine whether defendants are proper candidates for referral to the drug treatment court. My responsibilities include working with law enforcement officials to screen cases for referral and making sure that the drug court defendants are held accountable when program violations occur. I look forward to continuing our collaborative effort in dealing with the county's drug-addicted defendants. Hopefully, our efforts will assist these defendants in becoming productive members of society, thereby enhancing public safety in our community. Linda Potter, MSW Intern, Greater Rochester Collaborative Program, writes: I am a student intern at Turnings. I am interested in alternative responses to substance abuse, other than incarceration. It has been an enlightening experience to witness the development of this worthy program, by so many caring and dedicated professionals. The collaborative process is alive and well in the City of Canandaigua. June E. Fisher, CSW, CASAC, Director at TURNINGS, writes: I enjoy opportunities to participate in program development projects that positively impact citizens of our county. The Drug Treatment Court model has literally saved lives across the country. In addition it saves society thousands of dollars. TURNINGS has demonstrated continuous support for the Finger Lakes Drug Treatment Court over the past year through staff participation in weekly planning meetings, technical drug court trainings and conferences. Currently, TURNINGS staff provide urine screening on court appearance days as well as on-going technical assistance regarding substance abuse treatment. In addition, TURNINGS provides outpatient services for the uninsured working poor and indigent populations. Over the past year TURNINGS has committed approximately $9,000 worth of in-kind resources to the development of the court. At this time, the Finger Lakes Drug Court is well positioned to meet the needs of substance abusers in the criminal justice system. In order to fully implement the court as designed, it will require financial resources well beyond what has been available over the past year. An implementation grant has been developed and will be submitted for funding. \| ATI Sponsors Restorative Justice Workshop \| Day Reporting Program To Expand \| Drug Court Works \| \| We've Moved \| Message From The Coordinator \| Welcome To Kevin Case \| ATI Support Staff Added \| \| Community Service Work Sites 2000 \| News From Balancing Justice Steering Committee \| ATI Home Page \|