NORWICH – As part of National Drug Court Month, the Chenango County Treatment Court Team held a celebration in honor of all the program’s past graduates on Monday at the county court house. The event was attended by upwards of 40 people, including graduates, those currently enrolled in the program, as well as their supporters.

Formed in 2004, the Chenango County Treatment Court has had 174 participants, 106 of whom have graduated, a 61 percent success rate. All of the participants must willingly enroll in the program after pleading guilty to a crime; must have a clear history of drug abuse; and a majority of their crimes must be related to substance abuse. No violent or sexual offenders are admitted into the program.

“There is a pretty high level of supervision,” said drug court coordinator Jim Everard, who explained that drug court participants must attend three self-help meetings every week, take part in an Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) certified treatment program, and appear in Chenango County Court once a week before Chenango County Judge Frank B. Revoir. Participants are also tested regularly for drugs.

During Monday’s event, one graduate spoke to those still enrolled in the program, claiming she had been able to rebuild her life in Chenango County with the help of the program. When she was released from jail after being incarcerated for a drug related crime, she did so with nothing. She has since overcome a tremendous amount of adversity and now has her own car along with a place to call home. She is also maintaining a good grade point average as a student of SUNY Morrisville.