Drug Court A Drug Court is an alternative to prison for non- violent offenders who wouldn't be involved in the criminal justice system if it wasn't for a substance abuse problem. An offender is usually given a choice between Drug Court or prison. Once in the program, a panel consisting of a probation officer, treatment counselor, judge, prosecutor, public defender or another community stakeholder meets with the offender every week to set goals on treatment, review drug test results and discuss progress. Source: 2007 Iowa Legislative Report News You can useGuy Richman walked up to the podium, still wearing a blue winter coat, and nervously shifted his feet. He tapped on the wood of the podium. It was his first day."I've been clean since July 5th," Richman, 47, said smiling.The faces that looked back at him were not those of a treatment group or even a jury. Among those in the room were a judge, probation officer, county attorney, public defender and treatment counselor - gathered to try a new approach toward drug offenders.Dubuque and Delaware Counties launched Drug Court Thursday with two participants. One man is off to a strong start while the other is a little shaky, but the two have the same goal: to stay sober, complete the program and become happier and healthier people."There are a number of people involved in the criminal justice system solely because of drug use," First Judicial District Judge Michael Shubatt said. Drug use contributes not only to drug offenses, but others like theft or forgery to feed the drug habit. If the drug offenders can get past their addiction, it will keep them out of jail and seriously improve their quality of life, he said.Drug Courts also are much cheaper than sending offenders to prison. On average, it costs $10,400 to send someone through Drug Court, compared to $31,600 for the average drug-related prison and parole sentence, according to a 2007 report by the Iowa Legislature. The hope is that costs will be reduced down the line because participants will stay out of jail.The Drug Court program is voluntary, in the sense that offenders have a choice between participating in the program or perhaps spending time in jail, Shubatt said."You'd be surprised how many people choose jail because they'd rather do their time and get out," Shubatt said.The Drug Court program is intensive, and it requires much more time and energy than a person might be willing to give.On Thursday, probation and parole officer Lauri Waldbillig questioned participant Justin Julson, 23, about breaking a rule at his residential facility."I think you've made some very poor choices this week," she said, and the two discussed how he could improve his behavior.Julson said his main motivation for enrolling in the program was to "be a good dad." He looked over at his girlfriend, who sat in the audience and cradled his newborn baby, born just one week and one day before he stood before the court. The tiny girl occasionally squeaked throughout the session, but she mostly remained silent as her mother bundled her in blankets.For at least 15 months, the Drug Court participants will wrangle recovery with the challenges of meeting the court's requirements. That's why it's important that participants volunteer, and that could be the key to the program's success, said Bobbi-Jo Molokken, a substance abuse counselor in the program."You have to be ready to make a change in your life," Molokken said.As the program continues, more people will join. For now, it's a learning process for everyone involved."This is an opportunity to see (participants) continually and keep a close eye on progress," Shubatt said. "If it makes them a better husband or parent, the ripples from the impact can affect generations."