Mat-Su moves closer to getting a drug court

Progress continues on the possibility of establishing a drug court in the Mat-Su. At a Tuesday Mat-Su Opioid Task Force meeting in Wasilla, Kristin Hull shared an update on program implementation. Hull currently serves as therapeutic courts manager at the Palmer Courthouse.

Hull said framework for court development is moving forward. She said the project was just awarded state funding for a drug court probation officer. The funding is for three years but is far from what is needed. Hull said funds for treatment programs remains an obstacle but was pleased with progress made.

“We’re probably looking at mid-December,” Hull told the group concerning the date of having a drug court probation officer onboard. She said the position will be advertised, candidates interviewed and one selected. A full-week of training in Anchorage will follow. Then the selected candidate will spend an additional week in the Mat-Su familiarizing themselves with local resources.

Hull said the funding came with a caveat. The state listed the position as non-current and long-term. That means although the selected person is eligible for medical, dental and leave of absence, they are not eligible for retirement benefits or merit pay. She said it will take 2-3 years for a new drug court to “prove itself” before a position would become permanent.

Hull said if things go as planned, the court could begin taking its first applicants in mid-January. She said Palmer Superior Court Judges Karl Kristiansen and Gregory L. have signed on to the project. Both attended a week-long drug court training program.

“It’s a specialized court which means specialized judges,” Hull said

Once implemented, the drug court will allow certain offenders a chance to both reduce sentencing and assistance in getting and keeping away from drugs. Anchorage has an operating drug court. Hull said the program is difficult. She said many who opt in don’t really care how hard it is, they want the help.

“There is a lot of incentive for them to take this (opportunity),” Hull stated. She said the main impetus for the drug court is to set up a system where it is difficult for those choosing the court to fail.

Hull said plans are to have 30 participants with two court cases handled at a time along with the one probation officer. “We’ve been trying to get drug court here. I’m just grateful we’re getting a drug court. I got DOC (Department of Corrections) and state to buy in,” Hull said. “We have good agencies in our community. This model works...it really does.”