MAT Drug Court Graduation 2-21-2024
Cleveland: Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) Drug Court held its winter graduation ceremony on Thursday, February 21, in the 4th floor Jury Assembly room of the Justice Center. Judge David Matia presented each graduate with a certificate of completion. Six people were recognized for completing the program that provides a better chance at a sober, productive life.
The goal of Drug Court is to reduce recidivism among drug-dependent offenders by providing enhanced treatment services. The majority of participants in the Drug Court program are opiate dependent. The Cuyahoga County Drug Court program was established in May of 2009 with Judge Matia presiding.
The Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) Drug Court, currently presided over by Judge Matia, serves individuals with an opioid use disorder, and was initially created in response to Ohio’s opioid pandemic. The original Drug Court is now overseen by Judge Kelly A. Gallagher.
Another docket, Recovery Court, began in 2015 under Judge Joan Synenberg to deal with not only drug and alcohol addiction, but also underlying mental health issues related to trauma. Many of its clients were victims of human trafficking. The latest Drug Court docket is HOPE (Helping Others Prosper Everyday) Court under Judge William McGinty. It was created to provide additional opportunities for those who are at high risk of re-arrest, have longer criminal histories, and who struggle with moderate to severe substance use disorders.
Congratulations, graduates!
