May. 24, 2016
HARRISBURG – A resolution recognizing the month of May as “National Drug Court Month” in Pennsylvania today received unanimous support in the House of Representatives, said Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne), the leading co-sponsor of
House Resolution 901.
“The number of drug treatment courts is growing across the country because they are proving to be an effective method for dealing with the serious substance abuse problems in our communities,” said Toohil. “These courts have reduced drug abuse, recidivism and drug-related crime while improving treatment outcomes and saving taxpayer dollars.”
To view Toohil’s floor remarks click here:
Toohil noted that there are now nearly 2,900 drug courts operating in every state, making them one of the cornerstones of criminal justice reform. The first drug court was established in Miami-Dade County, Fla. in 1989.
According to the resolution’s prime sponsor, Rep. Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia/Delaware), drug court judges work with a community team to develop a case plan for participants that includes regular court appearances, treatment sessions, and monitoring of his or her compliance and aftercare.
The National Institute of Justice reports that 84 percent of drug court graduates have not been rearrested or charged with a serious crime in the first year after their graduation.
Toohil was the prime sponsor of a similar resolution that was unanimously adopted by the House in 2015.
Representative Tarah Toohil
116th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Contact: Rep. Toohil’s Office
717.260.6136
RepToohil.com /
Facebook.com/RepToohil