The Hall County Drug Court recognized on Mar. 28 its 1000th graduate during a commencement ceremony.
Officials with the Northeastern Judicial Circuit said the program was created in 2001 by Judge John Girardeau as an alternative to incarceration for people in the criminal justice system who are struggling with substance use and mental health disorders.
The program recently celebrated 10 graduates in March and recognized 45 drug court graduates last year alone. The program currently serves nearly 250 participants.
To graduate participants must complete at least 24 months of drug and alcohol treatment, random drug screens, individual counseling and demonstrate productive use of time through consistent employment or public service activities.
