Wednesday, October 9, 2024 - Judges, elected officials, community members, court staff, attorneys, family members, and friends packed the Cobb Superior Court Ceremonial Courtroom to congratulate the five newest Cobb County Drug Treatment Court graduates. The graduates, staff, family, and friends shared moments of tears and laughter as they detailed their journey. The overriding theme was a sense of accomplishment, hope, and excitement for the next chapter of their lives.

The Drug Treatment Court is an alternative to incarceration for individuals involved in the justice system with a substance use disorder. The 18–24-month program uses a combination of close supervision, individualized evidence-based treatment, and recovery support to hold offenders accountable for their actions and teach them to be productive members of the community.

One of the graduates shared, “My experience in Drug Court has been a roller coaster ride of ups and downs in the beginning but leveled out towards the end. Drug Court changed my life by teaching me how to deal with the highs and lows of life without escaping through using drugs.”

Superior Court Judge Kimberly A. Childs presides over the Drug Treatment Court and the multi-disciplinary team administering the program. After the graduation ceremony, she reflected that “these graduates exemplify the need for and importance of an evidence-based recovery and treatment program in our criminal justice system. Our community should be proud of the commitment Cobb County has to helping those with substance use disorder transform their lives. Through the efforts of our dedicated team and with the continued support of our stakeholders, these 5 graduates are now sober, independent, and productive members of our society.”