The Jefferson County District Attorney's office introduced its new Recovery Court team and program to state legislators, municipal officers and county commissioners last week.

A collaboration between Jeffco commissioners, the courts, probation officers, the DA's office, the public defender, human services, mental health professionals and drug treatment experts, the goal is to reduce the recidivism rate of people who might otherwise rotate through the criminal justice system as a result of drug offenses.

The plan incorporates substance abuse treatment into the judicial process. Cases are handled by a team of experts, who communicate with a judge about a defendant's progress.

The long-term purpose is to reduce recidivism, with the benefit of providing cost savings from reduced prison visits and re-arrests.

DA Scott Storey said there are 15 people in the program now, with the goal of eventually including 75 people.

"The thing that matters to me is that if this is successful, we don't have another victim of crime," said Commissioner Kathy Hartman.

Recovery Court coordinator Brennidy Rice said, "This program is different because we look at sanctions and incentives as a way to modify behavior."

Deputy District Attorney Susan Weir said, "It's a non- adversarial team approach that's presented to the judge. On average we are adding one defendant a week."

For more information about drug courts, visit http://www.nadcp.org.

Karen Groves: 303-954-2303 or grovesk@yourhub.com