Oklahoma Drug Court Seeks Funding To Serve Addiction Treatment Better, Reduce Incarceration

An Oklahoma program is saving taxpayers millions of dollars. Oklahoma’s drug treatment court cuts costs and heals people. However, its leaders say they can’t keep it going if they don’t get more support.

Friday, January 27th 2023, 10:23 pm



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An Oklahoma program is saving taxpayers millions of dollars. Oklahoma’s drug treatment court cuts costs and heals people. However, its leaders say they can’t keep it going if they don’t get more support.   

“We’re in a very difficult time,” said District Judge Kenneth Stoner, with the Oklahoma County Treatment Courts. 

If data shines a light on issues, then Oklahoma has a problem.   

“[Oklahoma] historically incarcerate[s] more people and for a longer time than anywhere else in the world,” Stoner said. 

The Prison Policy Initiative shows Oklahoma incarcerates 993 people for every 100,000 – 329 more than the national average.  

“Which gives us the opportunity to be the epicenter of the solution as well,” Stoner said. 

Stoner, and his team at the Oklahoma County Treatment Courts, help people facing criminal charges rooted in addiction.   

“Someone’s past does not have to equal their future,” Stoner said. “This program is not rocket science. It’s just really hard work.”  

David Gilbert coordinates the OCTC program.  

“Accompanied with a very compassionate team approach,” Gilbert said. “When we lock somebody up, we are saying, ‘We don’t have the time for you.’”  

According to the OCTC website, incarcerating people costs about $20,000 per year per person – taxpayer money.  

“It costs our program about $5,000 a year to treat them,” Madison Melon, an assistant public defender with OCTC, said. 

Stoner said less than 10 percent of people who graduate from this program commit another crime.  

"We’re gonna prevent crime in the future,” said Kelly Basey, assistant district attorney with OCTC 

Gilbert said programs like drug treatment require persistence and patience.  

“It takes time, and love, and nurturing to heal a wounded soul,” Gilbert said. 

Gilbert would know, he also graduated from this program, but his addiction cost him.   

“I was separated from my family for almost 10 years,” Gilbert said. “I have probably lost – I would say – over $100,000.”  

Obviously, his life is a lot better today.   

“Today life is beautiful,” Gilbert said. 

However, Gilbert's program needs more money. 

 “We do a lot with a little,” Melon said. 

Melon said her team is exhausted, but she won’t give up.  

“No. It’s so worth it,” she said. 

Their work has been proven to heal people when they walk into the courtroom’s chambers.   

“They’re not other than us,” Basey said. “They are us. They’re our brothers and sisters." 

Gilbert is the proof.  

“To watch that is a joy,” Basey said.  

In total, 83 percent of those who plead guilty for their past in that courtroom often become one less data point, and one more healthy community member.   

“They can change,” Melon said. 

OCTC is seeking additional community support. Click here to donate to the OCTC Fiscal Sponsorship Fund.

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