In Medicine Hat on Tuesday, Doug Schweitzer, minister of justice and solicitor general, announces a drug treatment court to be opened later this year in Medicine Hat. On the right of the photo are: police chief Andy McGrogan, Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes and Brooks-Medicine Hat MLA Michaela Glasgo.--NEWS PHOTO GILLIAN SLADE
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
A drug treatment court will open in Medicine Hat later this year to address those who repeatedly appear in court and would like an opportunity to break that cycle.
Doug Schweitzer, minister of justice and solicitor general, made the announcement in Medicine Hat on Tuesday.
Someone struggling with an addiction who wants an opportunity to recover and get treatment will have a chance to do so in a program that lasts 12 to 18 months, said Schweitzer. The requirements include admitting guilt, being a non-violent offender, being held accountable and regularly appearing before a judge to assess progress in the program.
Schweitzer says those who graduate through the program will be able to experience the benefits of connecting with family again and finding employment.
Of those who have already gone through a drug treatment court, “70 per cent never offend again,” said Schweitzer.
The program starts with getting the individual stabilized including appropriate housing, he said. A suitable treatment plan is also worked out.
Medicine Hat will have one of the five drug treatment courts established outside Edmonton and Calgary as part of a four-year investment of up to $20 million toward expanding the program.
Schweitzer did not make an announcement about specific funding for expanding drug treatment programs in Medicine Hat. He said his office is working with the Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Jason Luan, to enhance capacity for programs locally.
It is anticipated that 10 to 15 individuals will be going through the drug treatment court program in Medicine Hat at any given time, said Schweitzer.
Drew Barnes, MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat, said a drug treatment court will provide access to treatment and help prevent reoffending.
Michaela Glasgo, MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat, said it can help to break the cycle of addiction and related crime.
Since April government funding for Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams has been in place to disrupt and dismantle organized crime. In Medicine Hat it has meant that Medicine Hat Police Service and the RCMP are working together across traditional boundaries particularly to address rural crime.
Government funding has allowed three RCMP members to join the MHPS priority street crimes team and funds for one of four MHPS officers on the team.
Supt. Dwayne Lakusta, CEO ALERT, said the change has meant a “swift and agile” response. There have been 73 arrests and more than 250 people charged in the region.
MHPS Chief, Andy McGrogan thanked the government for “coming up with the dough” and said the drug treatment court was an important component of addressing crime.
