FRANKFORT, Ky., Feb. 5, 2024 – Kentucky Specialty Courts today announced Drug Courts in Clark and Daviess counties are the first to receive certification under recently revised Supreme Court rules.
“I encouraged the Clark County Drug Court to become a trailblazer by being one of the first to embark on the certification process,” said Circuit Court Judge Cole Adams Maier, who has conducted Drug Court proceedings in Clark County since 2019. “The achievement highlights the dedication of the Clark County team. Their efforts have always been focused on ensuring participants are equipped with the opportunities essential for gaining control and stability in their lives. This certification will ensure that continues.”
Judge Maier said the achievement sets Kentucky on a course to attain national recognition for its certification process.
“The certification of Daviess County Drug Court, in alignment with recently revised Supreme Court rules, exemplifies Kentucky’s commitment to excellence in Specialty Courts,” said Circuit Court Judge Lisa P. Jones, who conducts Drug Court proceedings in Daviess County. “This accomplishment establishes a solid foundation of best practices for Drug Courts across the commonwealth and reflects the dedication of the Daviess County team.”
The two Drug Courts were evaluated on certification standards contained in a Kentucky Supreme Court Administrative Order that amended procedures for Specialty Courts. The revised rules apply to Drug Courts throughout the commonwealth and effectively provide a foundation of best practice standards for operations.
The certification process is overseen by the Certification Advisory Committee. The CAC consists of 11 members of the judiciary appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for up to a three-year term.
Judge Maier and Judge Jones are both members of CAC. The judges said the goal is for all Drug Court programs to become certified in Kentucky. Specialty Courts staff continue to work with Drug Courts across the commonwealth who are seeking certification.
About Kentucky Drug Court
Kentucky Drug Court operates as part of the Department of Specialty Courts at the Administrative Office of the Courts, the operational arm of the state court system. Drug Court was Kentucky’s first Specialty Court program. Since being introduced as a pilot program in 1996, Drug Court has grown to all 120 counties.
Drug Court serves nonviolent offenders whose primary challenges stem from substance use disorder. This court-managed program offers treatment, intensive supervision, drug testing and case management at no cost to the participants. Some counties provide programs for both felony- and misdemeanor-level offenses. Those who complete the Drug Court program may have their charges dismissed through diversion or be granted conditional discharge through probation.
Drug Court provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional criminal case processing. Graduates are more likely to return to productive lives, stay gainfully employed, pay child support and meet other obligations.
To learn more about Specialty Courts, visit https://kcoj.info/SpecialtyCourts.
Administrative Office of the Courts
The AOC supports the activities of nearly 3,300 employees and 413 elected justices, judges and circuit court clerks. The AOC also executes the Judicial Branch budget.
###