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Superior Court Judge David Najjar with Blake Bolden who is a recent graduate of drug court.
Photo provided by Hamilton County courts.A Hamilton County drug court recently celebrated the graduation of six participants. Drug court is a type of problem-solving court that seeks to rehabilitate people involved in the justice system.
The courts have been operating in Indiana for years and include veterans and behavioral health courts. Hamilton County’s drug court started in 2010 for people with substance abuse issues facing nonviolent charges.
Blake Bolden is one of the recent graduates. He said the intensive program worked for him.
"People like myself like to push the limits and if you give them rope, they’re going to hang themselves. So they stay on top of you," Bolden said.
Participants have to undergo intensive supervision that includes drug testing, home visits and educational or employment requirements. It usually takes about a year and a half to complete.
Superior Court Judge David Najjar oversees the program. He said at first the program was difficult for Bolden.
“He never gave up on himself, and that’s exactly what this program is about—restoring lives and helping people become the best version of themselves.”
Hamilton County's drug court has had 162 total graduates since the program began.
Contact WFYI Managing City Editor Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.
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