Drug Offenders Find Redemption at Ocean County Drug Court Graduation

Eleven nonviolent drug violators leave their troubled pasts behind Wednesday morning in Toms River, as the newest graduates of Ocean County's Drug Court.

Judge Joseph L. Foster presides over the ceremony that starts at 11 AM in the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch.

Since its inception in the Ocean County court system in 2002, court officials report, 251 entrants have completed the tightly-organized, sometimes-grueling road back to productive lives. Drug Court currently has 425 enrollees.

Drug Court offers an alternative instead of incarceration to offenders who wouldn't be involved with the legal system at all if not for substance abuse.

Each enrollee completes a five-year, four-tier program that addresses recovery, treatment and accountability.

Intense supervision ensures effective and quick access to recovery programs. It also ensures sanctions or reinstated court proceedings for those who fail to adhere.

Graduation ceremonies are highly emotional events, attended by families and friends of the successful candidates.

The program has been replicated throughout the United States and was singled out for expansion in New Jersey by Governor Chris Christie.