HEART OF STEELE

After 30 years in journalism, I’ve learned a few things. One of the most important lessons is this: We are all just one bad decision away from ruining our lives.

Sadly, fixing the damage takes far longer, but it’s possible. I see proof every time I attend a Steele-Waseca Drug Court event.

During last week’s picnic at Northeast Park in Waseca, graduates celebrated their success and the program honored committed partners who came through for the program during the pandemic. It was the first time the group had gotten together since COVID, and conversations and laughter flowed easily around picnic tables as everyone caught up.

Those who feel diversion programs like Drug Court just coddle criminals should take the time to learn what participants go through–from taking that tough first step toward recovery, to showing up for multiple court appearances, random drug and alcohol testing, and hours of mental health treatment.

A five-year, national study of drug court programs for adults found that while Drug Court may cost more at first, it pays off in the long run, as participants are less likely to reoffend and to slide back into substance abuse.

And a recent study of the Steele/Waseca Drug Court showed that among Steele County graduates, nearly three-quarters have had no more criminal convictions. The number of crimes committed by participants dropped from 411 before entering Drug Court to just 24.

Simply put: Dollars invested in this program reduce the amount of money taxpayers spend keeping people with substance abuse and mental health issues behind bars. That makes our community safer.

We cover Drug Court because it’s funded with public dollars–you should know how the money is spent. But I think we are also, in a way, part of the court’s cheering section, honoring the success of its graduates.

People who work hard to rebuild their lives strengthen the heart of our community. That’s something we should all celebrate.