Marietta, GA -- Judges, elected officials, community members, court staff, attorneys, family members, and friends packed the Cobb Superior Court Jury Assembly Room to congratulate the two 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, “Drug Treatment Court has changed my way of thinking to allow me to make better choices, stay sober, and move forward with my life to be a productive member of society.”

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 our dedicated team's efforts and our stakeholders' continued efforts, these six graduates are now sober, independent, and productive members of our society.”