Times Leader
Funds aid treatment court
Program supports and treats non-violent criminal addicts. Graduates grateful for help.
By Sheena Delazio, Staff Writer
March 27, 2008

WILKES-BARRE - Some Luzerne County Treatment Court graduates will go on to a local college, or work at a local business.

U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski speaks during the Luzerne County Treatment Court graduation at the McGowan School of Business, Burke Auditorium, at King’s College on Wednesday afternoon. S. JOHN WILKIN/THE TIMES LEADER

With nearly $1 million in additional federal money secured by U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski, D-Nanticoke, more participants can expect to do the same.

Kanjorski made the announcement of the additional funds at Wednesday's treatment court graduation at King's College. Thirteen people completed the program that provides support and treatment for residents charged with non-violent criminal offenses involving drug or alcohol addiction.

The $940,000 grant is funded through the 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Act, which was signed into law in December by President Bush.

"Four years ago when (Luzerne County) Commissioner (Greg) Skrepenak was elected, he asked me to get federal funds for treatment court," Kanjorski said. "I didn't think it would take four years, but now we have $940,000 that will be used in any way the court sees fit."

Kanjorski said he hopes the money is used to expand services, so future participants can receive the help they need.

Kelly Cesari, treatment court coordinator, said the latest group of graduates is the largest; 27 people have completed the program since its inception, and none were arrested after graduation.

"That just shows the effectiveness in the program in reducing the chance of re-entering the criminal justice system," she said.

County Court of Common Pleas President Judge Mark Ciavarella congratulated graduates, and said that through Kanjorski's work in securing the funds, the county can continue the program.

"When I first started working (in the county) I thought, what's the problem, just quit," Ciavarella said. "But now I know it's not just quit."

Ciavarella said he recognizes it takes strength, courage and desire to be successful.

"You think today is your proudest day, but tomorrow when you wake up and you're drug free, that will be your proudest day," he said. "And the next day, and each day you wake up and beat the demon is your proudest day."

Some graduates spoke before they received their "diploma" - having charges against them dropped as a result of graduation. Five new participants were admitted to the program during the court proceedings.

"This is something that needed to happen to me to change my life," said graduate Michelle whose last name is being withheld. "I want to thank (everyone in the program) from the bottom of my heart for giving me a new life."