Historical December 1997 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
In 1996, Dee Joyce-Hayes, Circuit Attorney and long-time Rosedalian, joined Judge James Dowd and others to plan a different approach to handling non-violent criminal defendants, who were committing felonies because of their drug addiction.
On April 7, 1997, St. Louis’ Drug Court was born, the second such court in Missouri, the 220th in the USA. JoyceHayes appointed Jane Geller, also a Rosedalian, to handle the prosecution function in the St. Louis City Drug Court. Since its opening, over 150 persons have been admitted to the St. Louis City Drug Court, an initiative that combines medical treatment, intensive counseling, weekly urinalysis, self-help, job training and other educational and employment opportunities with constant and personal supervision by the Drug Court Judge, the Honorable Joan Burger, to whom defendants must weekly report, at least initially. Drug Court uses a system of sanctions and rewards in its intervention . Sanctions include jail time and increased supervision. Other successful drug courts around the country have used rewards such as movie passes and gift certificates from grocery stores to reward positive behavior. Because of funding, the St. Louis City Drug Court has been unable to balance sanctions and rewards. Personnel of the Court are therefore asking businesses and organizations and individuals in the community to participate in the First Annual Drug Court Holiday Store to reward Drug Court clients who have made great progress in addressing their addictions and related social and educational issues.
The Holiday Store will be open to Drug Court participants who will be able to “shop” for donated items with points earned by positive behavior.
This type of incentive project is especially important this time of year when defendants may be tempted to re-offend in order to provide Christmas for their families, or to use drugs again and drop out of the program.
If you wish to make a donation (nothing is too small), NEW toys and small gift items for women and men are needed. Food baskets that could be bought with points are welcome Checks can be made out to “VIPP” (Volunteers in Probation and Parole).
To make a donation or answer any questions you may have, call Jane Geller at 622-4941 (office) or 727- 3241 (home) before December 12, or write to her at 1320 Market, Room 330, St. Louis, MO. 63103..
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, December 1997.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1997_12.pdf, printed page(s) 4; PDF page(s) 4.
