Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- From the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page:
Effingham County Problem Solving Court held graduation on Friday, January 19th. James Fizer, Katy Houser, Allen Matlock and Adam Schlanser received their diplomas in a ceremony presided over by Problem Solving Court Judge, the Honorable Ericka Sanders. Each graduate must pass through a difficult regiment that takes at least two years to complete.
Each graduate gave a testament about their journey, their struggles, and their successes. I have attended these graduations before, but this one made me think more about all of the lives affected. Police Officers concentrate on enforcement, which I understand, but my view of the criminal justice system broadened a little. Not everyone is a candidate for problem solving court, and not everyone that tries to complete it, makes it through. Think of these four lives though – four people who, perhaps, the State is not paying to incarcerate. These are four people who can be fathers and mothers in a stable family unit, four people who can be productive and provide for their children and support their community. Even if only one graduate was successful in completing the program and maintaining a healthy and productive life, the dividends to the community would be immense. The fact that several past Problem Solving Court graduates attended the ceremony assured me that this program is having long term effects on our community.
Sheriff Kuhns:
“I appreciate and thank the Effingham County Probation Department, and all of those who work so hard to make this program successful. You are making a difference. In the photo are the four graduates and their family members who came to support them. I would like to congratulate them, and I hope their journey down this path is just beginning.”
Comments