Video: Plug Pulled On Clay Drug Court

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WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) — The lack of available funds could put in jeopardy a successful misdemeanor drug court program and Clay County Supervisors are left to make a hard decision.

The program administered from a little office in West Point has been providing different treatment options for drug offenders who have made bad choices.

“We’ve had over 100 people graduate. We’ve seen a lot of people get their GEDs and their drivers license. We’ve seen families really united. Its been extremely successful,” said Drug Court Counselor, Cindy Tidwell.

Clay County Justice Court Drug Court has been helping to put participants on the right side of the law. And now the lack of monies to operate has forced supervisors to pull the plug on the program.

“We got a $50,000 grant from the state and what was required was a $25,000 match from the county. The county said they could not do that, ” said Tidwell.

“I offered to give up my salary, cause I understand and that’s one thing I want to help this community to move forward. I mean, like I said regardless of what means necessary, hey I want this thing to work, ” said Edward Houston, Drug Court Director.

Although this misdemeanor drug court apparently having garnered support of the community and have apparently developed a good track record, they must for right now… close their doors.

“And we do a pretty good job keeping up with the people after they get out. And we haven’t had any as far as we know that have gone back,” said Tidwell.

“Appreciate the supervisors, but most of all we appreciate the citizens of this county,” said Houston.

A total of 160 clients have come through the misdemeanor drug court since it began about three years ago.