BROKEN BOW – Two people graduated from the North Central Problem-Solving Court Thursday morning in Broken Bow.
The problem-solving court offers an alternative to jail for individuals convicted of certain offenses, usually involving drugs or alcohol.
Judge Tami Schendt said that when people are jailed for drug offenses, after release they often find themselves back where they started and reoffending. She said the problem-solving court aims to change behavior and thinking so those who graduate can become productive members of society and avoid further legal issues.
The program lasts a minimum of 18 months, though most participants take longer. The court works with individuals to get treatment and counseling to help them break free of addiction. It also promotes community service and finding steady employment and housing to help them become more responsible.
About a half dozen participants in the program attended a brief ceremony to congratulate and celebrate those graduating as well as a third individual who was promoted to the fourth and final phase of the program.
Judge Schendt said it was exciting to have two graduations and a promotion on the same day.
