The Douglas County Adult Drug Court recognized twelve participants for completing its program during the 132nd commencement ceremony held in Omaha, Judge Timothy Burns presiding, on March 18.
The event highlights the ongoing effort to support nonviolent felony offenders with substance use disorders through structured treatment and supervision. The program aims to provide an alternative to incarceration while promoting long-term recovery and public safety.
Since its founding in April 1997, the Douglas County Adult Drug Court has graduated a total of 2,256 individuals. The program requires participants to maintain abstinence from drugs and alcohol, attend substance use treatment, achieve employment or educational goals set by clinical staff, and undergo regular performance reviews by judges. Admission is subject to review by the Douglas County Attorney’s Office and approval from a Drug Court judge. Participants must acknowledge their substance use disorder, commit to treatment requirements, comply with all conditions of the court, and enter a plea for their charged offense; sentencing is deferred until successful completion of the program.
Currently there are 189 active participants in the program. More than 160 drug-free babies have been born to those enrolled during their time in Drug Court. Organizers said these results demonstrate both effectiveness and cost-efficiency in helping people recover while strengthening families.
The State of Nebraska Judicial Branch engages communities through educational efforts like traveling oral arguments at schools and resources on guardianship and mediation, according to the official website. The branch maintains court facilities statewide for public access according to its official website and extends across eighteen judicial districts that cover both urban and rural areas according to its official website. It focuses on delivering justice with integrity while supporting self-represented litigants according to its official website, includes leadership from a Supreme Court of seven justices along with appellate, district, and county judges according to its official website, and features standardized rules as well as forms for consistent operations statewide according to its official website.
Program organizers expressed pride in celebrating these achievements: “We are proud to recognize and celebrate the achievements of these graduates.”
