DRUG COURT STORY WAS EXCELLENT

Kudos to The Blade and reporter Robin Erb for an excellent depiction
of the Lucas County Family Drug Court. Ms. Erb's story vividly
illustrated the opportunities - and realities - families face in this
innovative court.

I applaud the clients who have made a commitment to this treatment
approach and who recognize drug court as their last best chance to
beat their addictions and be reunited with their children. I also
applaud Judge James Ray, Judge Joseph Flores, Magistrate Donna
Mitchell, the staff from Children Services and family court, and our
service providers who are enthusiastically behind this project.

Children deserve permanency, and as a community we need to demand this
for them, I am confident the family drug court will assist us in this
pursuit,

Dean Sparks
Executive Director, Lucas County Children Services