The 5th Judicial District Problem-Solving Court serving Hamilton and Merrick Counties will hold its graduation ceremony and celebration on January 31, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. in the Merrick County District Courtroom, 1510 18th Street, Central City, Nebraska.

For Drug Court graduates, the ceremony marks the completion of an intensive program of comprehensive drug treatment, close supervision, and full accountability. Presiding Problem-Solving Court Judge Rachel Daugherty will host the ceremony and will deliver the keynote address.

Drug Court is a minimum 18-month program where participants learn the skills to live a successful life free from drugs and alcohol.

In a letter to Governor Pete Ricketts announcing the graduation, Judge Daugherty noted, “Over the last two years, each (Problem-Solving Court) participant has had long-term employment, stable independent housing, positive relationships, and has become drug and alcohol free. The one participant with children in foster care has had those children reunited.”

She continued saying, “All of this was done by a commitment of time and effort from local law enforcement, court staff, and non-profit agencies and with limited tax-payer funds,” before thanking the Governor for his continued support.

According to Nebraska Supreme Court Committee on Problem-Solving Courts Chair, Judge Jim Doyle of Lexington, “Nebraska’s Drug and Problem-Solving Courts have saved thousands of tax dollars, and the individuals served in the courts who have followed the programs have changed their lives and the lives of their loved ones for the better.” Doyle continued, “The previous philosophy of incarceration for all offenders has been replaced by community-based treatment programs that cause people to change the way they think and that requires people to be accountable for their actions without imprisonment.”

The 5^th Judicial District Problem-Solving Court, like other Nebraska Problem-Solving Courts, operates under a team approach where a judge, prosecutor, defense counsel, community supervision officer, law enforcement, and treatment provider work together to design an individualized program. Compliance with treatment and court orders is verified by frequent alcohol and drug testing, close community supervision, and interaction with a judge during non-adversarial court review hearings. Problem-Solving Courts enhance close monitoring of participants using home and field visits.

Local Contact: Abbie Dishong, 5^th Judicial District Problem-Solving Court Coordinator
Phone: 402-362-6540   abbie.dishong@nebraska.gov

State Contact: Adam Jorgensen, Statewide Problem-Solving Court Coordinator, Nebraska Supreme Court
Phone: t 402-471-4415|c 402-219-4297   adam.jorgensen@nebraska.gov