Today, Dr. Bertha K. Madras, Deputy Director for Demand Reduction at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and President George W. Bush’s “Deputy Drug Czar,” addressed the third annual Judicial Council of Georgia’s Standing Committee on Drug Courts’ Drug and DUI Court Conference in Peachtree City, Georgia.

“I commend those in Georgia who are working hard to reduce the harmful consequences of drug use in our communities,” said Dr. Bertha Madras. “We appreciate and recognize your hard work, dedication, and professionalism in the face of enormous pressures in developing and implementing drug court treatment programs essential to combating the public health problem of drug use.”

Currently, there are over 1,925 drug courts nationwide, including 50 drug courts in the State of Georgia. Last year alone, over 16,000 individuals graduated for drug courts nationwide, and more than 840 babies were born drug-free to drug court clients.

“Drug courts are a cost-effective and innovative way to combat substance abuse in our society,” continued Dr. Madras. “Now tested and proven on a relatively small scale, drug courts must serve as a model for how to address the broadest population of substance users in the criminal justice system. Everyday, drug courts are transforming the lives of criminal offenders and drug users, and we must stay committed to helping those in need.”

President George W. Bush is committed to expanding and enhancing drug courts in the United States. The President’s FY08 budget request provides an additional $21.7 million over FY07 - totaling $31.8 million - for drug court treatment programs. The President’s goal is to triple the number of drug court treatment grants from FY06.

Deputy “Drug Czar” Madras addressed over 400 conference attendees in Peachtree City, Ga. in recognition of “National Drug Court Month.” In honor of “National Drug Court Month,” several jurisdictions are holding commencement ceremonies to showcase the success and effectiveness of their drug court programs. Since their inception in Miami, Florida in 1989, drug courts have been developed and implemented in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

To learn about the Office of National Drug Control Policy, please visit: http://www.ondcp.gov.

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