Press release from the City of Michigan:

La Porte County Problem Solving Court, better known as Drug Court, recently celebrated its 100th graduate since the program was launched in 2012. Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch was honored to celebrate this milestone with this group of graduates.

The event was not only a personal achievement for the graduates, but also a testament to the program's success in helping individuals transition from drug addiction to abstinence.

“The journey these individuals have taken is nothing short of remarkable,” said Mayor Angie. “Each graduate has demonstrated resilience, dedication and a will to rebuild their lives, and it was all made possible with the support of the Drug Court program.”

Drug Court is a challenging rehabilitation program that gives people the tools they need to overcome their addiction and reintegrate into society. Over the course of at least 18 months, participants go through a complex five-phase process designed to help them reach the milestones of their recovery.

Judge Greta Friedman said, “At every orientation, we tell them, 'You have to learn to be honest. You have to change your people, places and things.' If you do those four things, you will get through this program. If you don't do those four things, you will not make it.”

To be eligible for drug court, an individual must have been charged with a crime in La Porte County, have a diagnosed alcohol or drug addiction, and be considered medium or high risk. The enrollment process typically involves a collaboration between prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other public administrators, with the ultimate goal of preparing participants for long-term
Sobriety and stability.