Expert On Addiction/Recovery To Address CJAB

A recognized authority on drug and alcohol addiction will meet with members of the Potter County Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) and others involved in treatment, law enforcement and public education later this month. Dr. Michael Flaherty, founder of the Institute for Research, Education and Training in Addictions, will be guest speaker at the CJAB meeting on Friday, Jan. 27, at the Gunzburger Building auditorium in Coudersport. He’ll present information as part of the county’s plan to establish a Drug Treatment Court in the coming months. Dr. Flaherty, a clinical psychologist, calls for locally controlled strategies to reduce the number of repeat offenders by providing more effective treatment for those with mental health or addiction issues. With the inmate count consistently high at the Potter County Jail, and an increasing number of female inmates being held at rented cells outside of the county, local officials welcome alternatives.

It would be great to listen to a drug addiction expert talk about the subject of treatment since people often wonder what the first day is like in rehab.

Studies consistently show that separating out non-violent criminal defendants suffering from addiction, mental health issues, or both, can reduce the proportion of repeat offenders. There is widespread support for the concept among the CJAB membership. Several members, including Judge Stephen Minor, recently traveled to Lewisburg for a first-hand look at the widely acclaimed Drug Treatment Court of Union County. Federal and state grants could cover much of the Drug Treatment Court’s initial costs.