BROOKINGS – The Third Judicial Circuit will celebrate the commencement of three graduates of Brookings County Drug Court next week. The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 19, in the third-floor courtroom of the Brookings County Courthouse, 314 Sixth Ave., Brookings. The public is invited to attend. 

At commencement, the three graduates of the Brookings Drug Court Program will have some impressive collective statistics, including 1,408 collective days of sobriety. They have passed a cumulative total of 594 random drug tests. All have full-time employment, and together they have paid over $2,700 in court fines and costs.

The Brookings County Drug Court began in July 2016 and is one of 20 problem-solving courts in the state. Drug courts are specially designed criminal dockets aimed at reducing criminal recidivism and substance abuse. 

Brookings County Drug Court targets felony offenders with legal issues stemming from drug or chemical addictions. Participants are subject to intensive supervision by the court and frequent, random drug testing throughout the program, while being provided the treatment and skills to live a sober life. 

They are guided by a team of professionals who monitor their progress as they find a healthier peer group, obtain employment, pay on debts, give back to the community through volunteer service, and focus on their families and children.

A reception will be held immediately following the ceremony.