Johnson County celebrates first adult drug court graduation; program enrollment rising

Laura Brewer, District Court administrator, told the Board of County Commissioners that Johnson County's adult drug treatment court held its inaugural graduation May 15 and that two participants completed all program requirements.

"One of them started our program with 2 changes of clothing and 1 pair of shoes and ended the program with his driver's license, a car, his own place to live," Brewer said. She said 23 additional participants are currently enrolled and that the court has begun a clothing closet and other wraparound supports.

Why it matters: Commissioners said treatment courts are a best practice that can improve outcomes, reduce reliance on punitive responses and better use court resources. The county stressed the multisector nature of the courts: District Court, community corrections, the Sheriff's Office, Johnson County Mental Health, the public defender's office and private counsel were all listed as partners.

Commissioner Ashcraft asked how donations to the clothing closet could be made; Brewer said donors should contact Barbara Scribe, the treatment court coordinator at the courthouse. Commissioners also asked about long‑term supports for graduates. Brewer described the treatment courts as a "wrap around model" and noted that community providers and networks of graduates and mentors provide continuing support after formal program completion.

Board members praised past leaders who helped establish specialty courts, including Veterans Treatment Court, and several commissioners noted the county's contribution to developing national best practices.

The report was informational; no board action was recorded at the meeting.