Polk County Treatment Court Holds Graduation

POLK COUNTY -- A crowd was gathered at the Polk County Treatment Court in early March to celebrate the graduation of Paul from the program.

The courtroom was filled family and friends of Paul, the Treatment Court team, and other individuals currently going through the program. Paul began the program after being released from prison and being at what he described as “rock bottom”.

Now, at the end of his journey with the Treatment Court, he was employed, had a roof over his head, had completed intensive outpatient treatment and continuing care, logged at least 61.5 hours of community service, and was engaged.

“You get a whole life,” said Paul to those present at his graduation. “I have a whole family. Now, I have a job. I’m getting married. I never thought that would happen.”

Judge Daniel Tolan extended his congratulations before handing Paul his diploma.

“Participants often hear me say that this program is an opportunity to change their lives, not only for themselves, but for their family, their loved ones, and the community,” said Judge Tolan. “But it’s also for the benefit of the people behind them who are suffering from addiction and who deserve to go through a program like this.”

Throughout his enrollment in the program, Paul attended 43 treatment court status hearings, 176 support meetings, gave 178 negative drug and alcohol tests, and was 527 days sober in the program.

About Treatment Court:

The Polk County Treatment Court is a program of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC). The mission of the Polk County CJCC is to reduce crime and recidivism in Polk County through programming such as the Treatment Court, which aims to reduce the destructive cycle of substance use and mental health disorder.