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Last updated on Friday, January 15, 2016
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush praised the success of the Lawrence County Drug Court in her State of the Judiciary Address, January 13, before a joint session of the Indiana General Assembly.
Justice Rush related the story of 28-year-old Lindsay Endris, a former first grade teacher from Lawrence County who successfully graduated from the drug court in October of 2015 after addiction to heroin caused her to lose custody of her children, as well as her home. As a result of the accountability required by the drug court, Justice Rush said that today, Lindsay is "back caring for her children, working as an office manager, and paying off her student loans and other debts".
Justice Rush then acknowledged Lawrence County Drug Judge William Sleva, Lawrence County Prosecutor Michelle Woodward and the Lawrence County Drug Court team for their part in Lindsay Endris' success. Judge Sleva, Prosecutor Woodward and Ms. Endris all attended the address and were photographed in the gallery of the Indiana House chambers.
"We are replicating this drug court model in other parts of the state where courageous leaders sign on to a program that is about rehabilitation, not punishment," said Justice Rush. "We cannot afford to incarcerate or institutionalize our way out of this drug crisis. Our approach must include helping sons, daughters, husbands, and wives return to a life after addiction. There are no easy answers, but your courts stand ready to help communities bring productivity back to those who have lost their way."
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