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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Congressman Jerry Lewis Honored at Drug Court Graduation Drug court champion to receive the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) Congressional Leadership Award for continued support of life-saving drug treatment programs. San Bernardino County, CA – Congressman Jerry Lewis (R-CA-41), the Ranking Member of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, will receive the NADCP Congressional Leadership Award at the graduation ceremony of the San Bernardino County drug court on August 22, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. The Congressman has long been an ardent proponent of the drug court program model as a means to treat the growing population of non-violent, substance-abusing offenders that cycle through the justice system and account for a majority of those incarcerated in our prisons nationwide. Most recently, as the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Lewis has helped to restore federal funding for drug courts in the Department of Justice (DOJ) Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program, following two years of crippling cuts. “Congressman Lewis has been a highly-valued advocate for the drug court field in the halls of Congress,” said NADCP Chief Executive Officer West Huddleston. “His dedication to the life-saving work of drug courts and the provision of federal funding ensures that the programs will continue to expand to address the growing population of non-violent, substance-abusing offenders flooding our justice and prison systems.” Since the first drug court opened its doors in 1989, the field has grown to over 1,900 programs nationwide and boasts incredible results in reducing rates of recidivism for non-violent, substance-abusing offenders through an intensive regimen of court supervision and increased accountability. In February 2005, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) concluded after an extensive review that drug courts significantly improve substance-abuse treatment outcomes, substantially reduce crime, and produce greater cost-benefits than other justice strategies (GAO-05-219). Judge Stephen Manley, who serves as the Legislative Chairman on the Board of Directors of the NADCP, will recognize the Congressman for his efforts on behalf of drug court in Congress. “Congressman Lewis has long been the leading proponent in Congress for the drug court field, both in California and nationally, as an unrivaled solution to address the rising tide of substance abuse faced in the justice and prison systems,” noted Judge Manley. “With advocates like Congressman Lewis who understand the effects of drug abuse on individuals and families in our communities, Drug Courts will continue to expand to meet the growing need”. The graduation ceremony will take place Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at the San Bernardino County drug court. About NADCP The National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) and the National Drug Court Institute (NDCI) are responsible for advocacy, training, research and scholarship on behalf of drug courts nationwide. With more than 1,900 drug courts nationwide, and 500 more in planning stages, drug courts have experienced phenomenal success and tremendous growth by reducing substance abuse, crime and recidivism. Since 1994, NADCP has represented over 20,000 judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, treatment providers and rehabilitation experts, law enforcement and corrections personnel, educators, researchers and community leaders. In February 2005, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report confirming that drug courts are an effective tool in reducing substance abuse and related crime. Last year, states reported nearly 20,000 graduates from drug courts nationally, and at least 840 drug-free babies were born to drug court clients. More than 70,000 individuals are currently being served by drug court programs. For more information, visit http://www.nadcp.org/. |