Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation Set for October 13

Douglas County’s H.O.P.E. Drug Court will hold its 114th graduation ceremony Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 5:15 p.m. in Cascade Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. The public is invited to attend and hear graduates share their experiences in recovery.

The ceremony will bring together participants, families, treatment providers, court officials, and community supporters to recognize the work graduates have put into completing the program.

H.O.P.E. Drug Court provides a structured alternative for eligible people whose substance use has contributed to their involvement in the criminal justice system. Participants undergo treatment, drug testing, supervision, and frequent court appearances. The program uses incentives and sanctions alongside support tailored to each participant’s needs.

For some, that work includes finding stable housing or employment, continuing their education, addressing mental health concerns, or rebuilding relationships with family. Some participants are also working toward reunification with their children.

According to the county’s announcement, the program connects participants with behavioral health services, housing resources, employment opportunities, educational support, and family services to help address barriers to recovery.

Circuit Court Judge Robert B. Johnson leads the program alongside a team representing treatment providers, community corrections, prosecution, defense, law enforcement, human services, and local program coordination. Participants return to court regularly, allowing the judge and team to follow their progress, recognize successes, and address setbacks.

The county said the program aims to help participants maintain recovery and build stability while reducing future involvement in the criminal justice system.

The announcement also outlined estimated prison costs avoided through the program. Across the first two H.O.P.E. Drug Court graduations of 2026, participants collectively accounted for 433 months of prison sentences they did not serve because they remained in the local treatment court program. The county estimated the associated avoided prison costs at approximately $2.3 million.

Those figures represent estimated prison costs avoided, rather than a calculation of net savings after the costs of operating Drug Court.

The Oct. 13 ceremony will offer community members an opportunity to learn more about the program and hear directly from those completing it. Families, community partners, and other supporters are encouraged to attend.