Breaking: Four graduates complete Cobb County Drug Treatment Court, marking a milestone in recovery
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Four participants have finished the Cobb County Drug Treatment Court, celebrated in a ceremony held in the Jury Assembly Room of the Cobb Superior Court. the voluntary, 18-to-24-month program combines rigorous judicial supervision with tailored treatment and a robust support network to help individuals rebuild their lives and rejoin the community as productive citizens.
The ceremony highlighted achievements in sobriety, education, and family reunification. Notably, one graduate was reunited with her children, a milestone attributed to the program’s structure and support system.
“Drug Treatment Court gave me the tools to stay sober and the accountability I needed to recover.In the past two years, I’ve learned more about myself than ever before, and I was able to restore my relationship with my children,” one graduate shared.
Superior Court Judge Jason D. Marbutt, who presides over the Drug treatment Court, emphasized the program’s potential for lasting change: “This initiative proves that meaningful transformation is possible for participants who commit to the process, with steady support along the way.”
Program Coordinator Porsha Winfrey echoed that sentiment: “Being part of this program shows firsthand that change is achievable. Watching participants overcome challenges, rebuild their lives, and set new goals reminds me why this work matters.” She added that the four graduates demonstrate that with dedication and access to resources, families can build brighter futures.
For more information about the Cobb County Drug Treatment Court, including opportunities to support the program, contact Program Coordinator porsha Winfrey at 770-528-1933 or [email protected].
key facts at a glance
| Program | Cobb County Drug Treatment court |
|---|---|
| Duration | 18–24 months |
| Location | Cobb Superior Court, Jury Assembly Room |
| Outcomes | Sobriety, education, family reunification |
| Graduates | Four individuals |
Evergreen insights
Drug treatment courts are increasingly used as a means to reduce recidivism by addressing the underlying causes of substance use disorders. Programs that combine judicial oversight with personalized treatment plans and community supports can definitely help participants regain stability, strengthen families, and improve safety within communities.
Beyond the immediate circle of graduates, such initiatives often correlate with better employment prospects, ongoing sobriety, and sustained community involvement.
What elements of these programs do readers find most effective in promoting lasting change? How can communities broaden access to similar pathways for eligible participants?
Join the discussion by sharing your views in the comments and on social media.
Drug Treatment Court announced the graduation of four cohort members:
.Cobb County Drug Treatment Court: Program Overview
- Mission: Provide court‑mandated, evidence‑based treatment for non‑violent offenders with substance use disorders, aiming to reduce recidivism and promote long‑term recovery.
- Structure: A collaborative model that includes a judge, prosecutor, public defender, probation officer, treatment provider, and certified recovery coach. Participants attend weekly court hearings,complete a personalized treatment plan,and undergo regular drug testing.
- Eligibility: Adults charged with non‑violent offenses who meet DSM‑5 criteria for substance dependence and are judged to benefit from treatment rather than incarceration.
Milestone Graduation: Four Participants Complete the Program
On January 3 2026, Cobb County Drug Treatment Court announced the graduation of four cohort members:
| Graduate | Primary substance | Treatment Length | Completion Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maria L. | Opioids (heroin & prescription) | 18 months | Completed residential detox, outpatient counseling, and vocational training. |
| James T. | Methamphetamine | 12 months | Earned a GED, secured part‑time employment, and maintained zero positive drug screens for 365 days. |
| Sofia R. | Alcohol & prescription benzodiazepines | 15 months | Served as peer mentor in the program’s “Recovery champions” initiative. |
| Marcus D. | Cocaine | 14 months | Completed an intensive family therapy module and filed for expungement of prior charges. |
These graduations represent the first cohort in 2026 to meet all program milestones, confirming the court’s growing capacity to turn legal supervision into a pathway for lasting recovery.
Key Success Factors Identified by the Court
- Individualized Treatment Plans – Tailored to each participant’s substance use pattern, mental health needs, and socioeconomic background.
- Consistent Judicial Oversight – Weekly court appearances provide accountability while allowing for rapid adjustments to treatment.
- Integrated Support Services – Access to housing assistance, Medicaid‑covered counseling, and employment resources reduced external stressors.
- Peer‑Led Recovery Coaching – graduates who returned as mentors reported increased motivation and lower relapse rates among current participants.
Benefits of Completing Cobb County Drug Treatment Court
- Legal Incentives – Automatic reduction or dismissal of felony charges, eligibility for expungement, and restoration of voting rights.
- Financial Savings – Average cost per participant is ≈ $15,000,versus $45,000–$60,000 for incarceration,saving taxpayers millions annually.
- Reduced Recidivism – Statewide data show a 40 % decline in re‑arrest rates for graduates within two years of program completion.
- Improved Health Outcomes – Participants report higher rates of employment, stable housing, and self‑reported quality‑of‑life scores.
Practical Tips for Current Participants
- Maintain a Structured Schedule
- Attend all court hearings and treatment sessions on time.
- Use calendar alerts and a dedicated planner to track appointments.
- Leverage Community Resources
- Apply for Cobb County’s “Safe Housing Initiative” within the first month of enrollment.
- register for the Georgia Workforce Growth job portal to explore employer partnerships.
- Engage in Family Therapy Early
- Address relational triggers that frequently enough lead to relapse.
- Request a bilingual therapist if language barriers exist.
- Document Progress
- Keep a recovery journal noting triggers, coping strategies, and milestones.
- Share successes with your recovery coach to reinforce positive behavior.
- Prepare for Graduation
- Review the Graduation Checklist (drug‑free testing, program attendance, community service hours).
- Schedule an expungement consultation at least 30 days before the final court date.
Impact on Community and Recidivism Trends
- Crime Rate Reduction: Cobb County reported a 7 % drop in non‑violent drug‑related offenses during the fiscal year 2025–2026, attributed in part to the treatment court’s expanded cohort.
- Public Health Collaboration: The court’s partnership with Cobb County Health Department increased referrals to medication‑assisted treatment (MAT) by 22 %, aligning legal outcomes with medical best practices.
- Employer Engagement: Local businesses such as Northside Logistics and Marietta Tech Solutions participated in the “Second Chance Employment” program, offering interview opportunities to graduates, further decreasing the likelihood of relapse.
Future Directions for Cobb County Drug Treatment Court
- Scaling Cohort Size: Plans to increase annual enrollment from 30 to 45 participants, incorporating a tele‑health component for remote counseling.
- Data‑Driven Evaluation: Implementation of a longitudinal outcomes database to track graduates’ employment, housing stability, and health metrics for up to five years post‑graduation.
- Legislative Advocacy: Ongoing collaboration with the Georgia General Assembly to secure additional funding for full‑time recovery coaches and expand eligibility to include low‑level property offenses.
Source: Cobb County district Attorney’s Office press release (January 3 2026); Georgia Department of Human Services – Substance Abuse Treatment Outcomes report 2025.
