BLOOMINGTON - Crime and substance abuse often are partners, but McLean County court officials are working to separate accused criminals from their addictions.

For 19 defendants, the McLean County Drug Court represents a chance to break the stranglehold of addiction and make amends to society without a jail sentence.

"If it wasn't for drug court, many of them would have prison sentences," said Roxanne Castleman, director of the county's court services program.

In August, the first client was sentenced to the county drug court program, a 30-month term that includes strict reporting and drug screening guidelines, substance abuse treatment and a weekly court visit.

A team that includes substance-abuse treatment workers and staff members from the probation, state's attorney and public defender's offices devise a treatment plan for clients. The team meets weekly to review the status of the current drug court clients.

A new nonprofit group that was formed several months ago will provide community support to the program.

Recovery Starts Today Inc. will collect financial and other donations for the program, which is designed to help offenders break the substance addictions that may have led them to commit crimes.

Castleman said she is hopeful the first graduate may complete the program early next year. It takes about 18 months to graduate.

The program has space available for 40 participants.

Judge Scott Drazewski oversees the weekly checkup with participants. On Thursday afternoons, each person is called to the front of the courtroom for a quick pat on the back or a reminder that there's more progress to be made.

In cases where offenders have seriously missed their goals, they may be sentenced to a day or two in jail. Sanctions for clients vary depending upon the severity of the violation of program rules.

During the week, the participants submit to three drug tests and make two visits to court services. Drug court staff members conduct weekly home visits.

Clients must attend substance-abuse treatment sessions three times a week.

To qualify for drug court, clients must be at least 18 years old, live in McLean County and must not be convicted of a violent crime. The participants also must admit they have a drug problem and be willing to follow a treatment plan.

Although their criminal histories may vary, drug court clients share a common bond: All suffer a drug or alcohol addiction that has negatively affected their lives.

"It doesn't have to be the offense," Castleman said of drug use. "It may be that they have the offense of burglary, but they're doing burglary to get the money for the drugs."

People are recommended for drug court after the state's attorney's office reviews the pending criminal case against them.

"The process starts with the state's attorney's office - they're the gatekeepers," Castleman said.

Prosecutors forward the cases of potential clients to Castleman's office, and an assessment and interview are conducted with the offender.

To complete the program, participants must be drug-free for nine months. A relapse means the person must start the program again.

Retired Chief Judge John P. Freese was elected president of Recovery Starts Today Inc.

"We want to raise public consciousness of the value this program provides to the community," Freese said. "We've been very impressed with drug court so far."

Members of the new group will be asking for donations that will be used as rewards and incentives for drug court clients. Gift certificates to stores and restaurants and items clients may give to their children are among the donations board members are collecting.

Employers who may be willing to hire drug court graduates also will be sought. A lack of consistent employment is a frequent problem for clients.

Small rewards are handed out during the weekly court review. Most substantial gifts will be available for milestones, such as an extended record of clean drug screens.

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Drug court results

From August through May, McLean Drug Court clients:

- Paid $8,525 in fines and court costs

- Submitted to 540 drug tests, with only four positive results

- Were subject to no new arrests

- Attended a combined total of 920 self-help meetings

SOURCE: Jody Cooper, drug court coordinator

Compiled by Edith Brady-Lunny