A paper ring chain represents the first 1,000 West Virginia adult and juvenile drug court graduates. Each ring contains the initials of a graduate. The ring chain was unfurled at a ceremony in the Capitol’s lower rotunda on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015.
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Those who have successfully completed an intense period of reporting to judges and probation officers to cure themselves of drug addiction will speak to state lawmakers this week about their progress.
The event, known as “Drug Court Day at the Legislature,” will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday in the lower rotunda of the Capitol.
In addition to hearing from the graduates, lawmakers will have the chance to view displays from some of the drug courts throughout the state.
Drug courts are a newer concept within the penal system, created to help those who struggle specifically with substance abuse. There are 23 adult courts in the state and 16 juvenile courts that serve 20 counties, according to Harrison Chief Judge Thomas A. Bedell, who presides over the county’s juvenile court.
“What we’re doing is holding them accountable…
