Although Butler County Court officials are pleased the Drug Treatment Court has received accreditation from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, they’re even more gratified by the success of the program.

Of the 18 people who participated in the program since its 2011 inception, only one person faced criminal charges again.

County Judge William Shaffer, who presides over drug treatment court, said the people diverted from jail sentences have excelled under the program.

“Their lives have been changed,” Shaffer said.

He said the accreditation is a confirmation of the county heading in the right direction.

“The big thing is validation,” Shaffer said.

He said the application for accreditation was made to gauge where the program stood.

“We did it mostly just to see where we were,” Shaffer said.

He said the state court recommended improving some of the record-keeping.

Shaffer explained drug court diverts defendants from prison terms if they qualify for a treatment program.

Between 20 and 25 people participate in the program, which takes roughly two years to complete and covers any substance abuse, at any given time.

Shaffer said the goal of drug court is the same as its counterparts, veterans and behavioral health courts.

“The goal of all specialty courts is to reduce recidivism,” he said.

Shaffer stressed the deterrents of repeat offenders not only helps the defendant, but the community, including potential victims of future crimes.

He said drug abusers commit many property crimes, such as retail theft and access device fraud.

“There’s a direct correlation between drug use and crime,” Shaffer said.

Along with Shaffer, the drug court team is composed of representatives from the district attorney’s and public defender’s offices, county Drug and Alcohol, a probation officer and a human services case manager from the Center for Community Resources.

Upon a recommendation for admission and the approval of the district attorney’s office, a defendant awaiting sentencing is released from prison to begin treatment.

A typical participant may start in a rehabilitation facility for three months, transition to a halfway house before being placed on house arrest and electronic monitoring while in the program.

He must seek employment while fulfilling other requirements, such as attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in some cases.

“We try to keep them busy,” Shaffer said.

The drug court team meets weekly. Team members discuss the progress, the lack thereof or setbacks of the participants.

Shaffer said some graduates continue to attend to support other participants.

During the drug court graduation, participants bring guests to speak about the changes in their lives.

“It’s quite moving,” Shaffer said.

Of the state’s 67 counties, dozens still don’t have a drug treatment court.

Butler is one of 18 counties that have received accreditation. The accreditation is valid for three years.

The drug court was initially funded by grant money from the state and a foundation.

The county now fully funds the roughly $80,000 cost, which covers the salary of probation officer and a portion of the CCR worker’s salary.

Tom Holman, deputy court administrator, said that expense is lower than the cost to incarcerate all the participants.

According to the county, the daily cost to house an inmate in the Butler County Prison is $70.

“This is substantially more productive in terms of how many people can receive the treatment they need,” Holman said.

The accreditation certificate will be presented Aug. 3 by state Supreme Court Justice Debra McCloskey Todd in the Butler courthouse.