More funds approved for Carroll’s Adult Drug Treatment Court
The Board of Carroll County Commissioners unanimously approved a fiscal 2025 grant to the Maryland Judiciary’s Office of Problem Solving Courts on Thursday for just over $408,000 , to be used to run the county’s Adult Treatment Court program. The money includes a county match of $4,745.
“It’s a testament to Carroll County and what we try to do to help those in our community,” District 3 Carroll County Commissioner Tom Gordon III said. “I think it’s something that sets us apart from some other areas.”
The court’s mission has been “to reduce dependency through effective allocation of community resources,” according to the court’s website. It is an intensive, court-supervised program that identifies nonviolent substance abusing offenders and places them under strict court monitoring and community supervision, and also offers substance abuse treatment and support services.
Carroll County Circuit Judge Fred Hecker requested the commissioners’ approval for the submission of the grant, which includes the county match to cover administrative expenses.
“There’s certain administrative expenses that the judiciary grant does not cover,” Hecker said. “Office supplies, cellphones, that sort of thing. So, we ask for that contribution from the county. I’ve had the opportunity to address you in the past and tell you a little about drug treatment court.”
Since the program started in April 2007, 525 people have entered the program, a county briefing paper states. Of that, 286 have graduated.
The next graduation is in May at Carroll Community College.
“Those who successfully complete the 13-month program, as well as the current participants,
significantly reduce their substance use, time of incarceration and further involvement in the criminal
justice system,” the briefing paper states.
“There are currently 40 participants in the program,” said Hecker, who took over running the court program in 2015. The participants range in age from early 20s to 50s.
“Many of these individuals have struggled with substance-use disorder for most of their adult lives,” Hecker said. “These are individuals who have had encounters with the criminal justice system. They are nonviolent offenders. Violent offenders are not eligible for drug treatment court. These are individuals who have committed crimes largely as a result of substance-use disorder.”
The program is structured to include regular attendance at court hearings, treatment requirements, self-help meetings and case manager meetings. The participant must be employed or volunteering in community service.
District 5 Commissioner Ed Rothstein praised the program.
“It’s awesome, and you along with your team, do so much for our community, and those that are in challenging times,” Rothstein said to Hecker. “You get them back up on their feet. If it was up to me, and we had the resources, I would double and triple (funding) if necessary, so no one is left behind in this process. I’d be all for it.”
District 2 Commissioners’ President Ken Kiler agreed.
“An awesome program,” he said. “I think it’s amazing, you’re bringing over $400,000 to Carroll County for a cost of $4,745 bucks … that’s a heck of a good deal.”