Botetourt Drug Court Update

The 2020 Drug Treatment Court Annual Summary (Virginia Supreme Court Office of the Executive Secretary) estimated a savings that year of nearly $12 million in Virginia.  The report says that each participant saves the Commonweath $19,234 as compared to traditional case processing. Botetourt Drug Court is in its first year and it is saving more than funds.

Botetourt Drug court is progressing and has its first small group. The program is focused on rehabilitaion and addresses the problems of drug addiction rather than punitive measures.

It is a way to help the person with a drug related problem become a recovered, functioning member of the commuity once again.

Common wealth’s Attorney John Alexader said, “Drug Court is coming along well. We have our first (small) group almost halfway through the 1st phase and working toward a new group.”

He also noted, “Our progress is thanks to the great work being done by the folks of Blue Ridge Behavioral Health and our Adult Probation Office. Professionals that we are very lucky to have in our community. “

–Cathy Benson with John Alexander. File photo Cathy Benson