There are nearly 4,000 treatment courts across the country.

They are an important component to the court system that provides needed assistance to eligible individuals who otherwise would face incarceration.

In 2017, Carbon County began its Veterans Treatment Court and added Drug Treatment Court in 2019.

That’s why Carbon County has designated May as National Drug Court Month in the county.

“Drug Treatment Courts are the cornerstone of the justice reform sweeping the nation,” the proclamation states, adding that it has served over 1.5 million people to date and saves on average $6,000 for every person who completes the program.

Carbon County Judge Joseph Matika, who has presided over both the Veterans and Drug Treatment Courts since they began, said that while these specialized courts are time consuming for everyone involved, they are worth it.

Currently, there are 46 people in both treatment courts in Carbon.

“The goal is to assist individuals with addressing their addictions, their mental health issues if they have them,” he said. “We save the county a significant amount of money when we have these people treated outside the prison.

“We hope to build acceptance in community for those people who have addictions,” Matika said.

He added that the first Drug Treatment Court graduation will take place at 6 p.m. on July 7 in courtroom 1.

Rick Parsons, chief adult probation officer, echoed Matika’s thoughts.

“It’s amazing how well some participants do,” he said, noting about two-thirds of the participants are following the program and succeeding.

He added that these participants have on average about 400 days sober from either drugs or alcohol.

“That is a huge impact to them and their families and the community,” Parsons said. “I’m very proud of the work they do and the team we have here.”