Eastern District of North Carolina Federal Drug Courts Honored

RALEIGH – The Eastern District of North Carolina (EDNC) has joined the nation in commemorating National Drug Court Month, shining a spotlight on the transformative work of two pivotal Federal Drug Courts. The H.O.P.E. Program, established in 2009, and the S.T.A.R. Program, which began operations in 2016, are both recognized for their groundbreaking efforts to combat substance abuse.

Both programs involve a collaborative effort between the EDNC’s U.S. District Court, U.S. Probation Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Federal Public Defender’s Office, and numerous other agencies providing critical rehabilitative services. This includes entities like First Step Services and East Coast Counseling, all dedicated to helping former federal inmates with substance abuse issues.

These drug reentry courts offer participants a comprehensive support system through incentives and sanctions, targeting long-term, sustainable positive change. The ultimate goal is to equip individuals to manage their substance abuse using the tools provided during their court involvement, ensuring success on supervision and beyond.

National Drug Court Month is a national event coordinated by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP). Today, nearly 3,200 treatment courts operate across all 50 states and US territories, treating approximately 150,000 substance-addicted individuals annually.

For those interested in joining these programs or seeking more information on the H.O.P.E. Program or the S.T.A.R. Program, contact Senior U.S. Probation Officer Julie Rosa at (919)861-8660.

The EDNC Drug Courts stand as a testament to the collaborative power of community and law enforcement in addressing one of society’s most pressing issues.