The Adult Drug Court program had its first judicial hearing last month.
Adult drug courts require participation of a judge, program manager, a prosecuting attorney, a defense attorney, a treatment provider, probation, law enforcement and an evaluator.
Individuals who qualify are charged with felony offenses such as crimes against property or drug possession, and have been in and out of the criminal justice system due to their drug use.
The two-year program takes clients and gives them the opportunity for treatment and counseling.
The program requires clients to remain clean and sober from drugs and alcohol, be compliant with program rules and maintain regular employment.
Program Manager Rachel Pelz said they are targeting individuals who have severe substance use disorders.
Pelz said substance abuse accounts for the vast majority of probation violations in our community.