Local treatment court's future dependent on state support

Feb. 3—The future of Montana's treatment courts rests in the hands of its legislature.

Federal grant money helped launch treatment courts in a number of Montana counties, including Lincoln, a few years ago.

But with the federal grant set to expire in September 2023, state lawmakers are considering a proposal by Gov. Greg Gianforte to fund treatment courts.

During a news conference last month, Gianforte lauded the work of treatment courts.

"These drug treatment courts are a proven successful model," he said. "They provide Montanans struggling with addiction with hope and opportunity as they get clean, sober and healthy."

For Libby resident Kristin Nelson, Lincoln County's treatment court, was an opportunity to change her life.

"It's been a life change for me and I am thankful for my family and everyone sticking with me," Nelson said.

According to a Feb. 28, 2020, story in The Western News, Nelson was charged with intent to distribute dangerous drugs after a raid on the home she lived in. More than 150 grams of suspected methamphetamine were found and various items of drug paraphernalia.

"Since you entered the program and began testing in July 2020, you haven't had one positive test," Lincoln County Attorney Marcia Boris said during a graduation ceremony late last year. "It's been wonderful to see how your perceptions have changed of law enforcement and you have a much more positive outlook on life. You've shown us you can do great things."

Nelson was joined at the graduation ceremony by a man from Libby who did not want to be identified.

District Court Judge Matt Cuffe shared his recollections of the two graduates.

"Cliff was a rock through the program and Kristin's time was a little more chaotic and took longer, but that's OK," Cuffe said. "Sometimes people think graduation is an end, but it's really not. The journey isn't over.

"For both of you, if you do the little things, everything else falls into place," Cuffe said.

Zach Sherbo, the county's treatment court coordinator, explained that Lincoln, Park and Missoula counties are part of the federal grant that funded their programs.

He is hopeful and optimistic that funding will be made available to continue the program.

"From what I've heard, it sounds good," Sherbo said. "We've graduated 12 successfully since 2020 and our team approach is really working."

Sherbo said working together with the county Attorney's Office, Cuffe, the Community Health Center, Many Rivers, Child and Family Services, Sheriff's Office and Probation and Parole, has made a difference.

"We meet weekly and that involvement is huge because it takes a team to do it," Sherbo said.

The treatment court has a wide age range of graduates with the youngest being 28 years old and the oldest, 73. The program has 10 active members in it now and two more candidates are being screened.

Sherbo said he is heavily invested in his work.

"I really believe in the work I do and we take a bit of a different approach where we treat the illness and surround people with professional support," Sherbo said. "It's more of a therapeutic approach.

"Adults have to be willing to accept help, they have to have that "aha" moment where they realize they need help. Our goal is to let people know help and support is available," Sherbo said.

Those entering treatment court have an arduous path while seeking sobriety, but it's meant to be that way.

The program lasts from 18 to 24 months and those seeking to enter the treatment court program must be screened.

On the legal side, people must be at least 18 years of age, their current charge must have a link to substance abuse and the person must not have a pending felony charge in another jurisdiction. Other requirements include that the person must not be required to register as a sexual or violent offender and they must live and have been charged with the offense in Lincoln County.

Also part of the screening process is a mental health evaluation.

"I'm a big believer in mental health support," Sherbo said. "Many people become addicted who are having mental health issues because of trauma they have suffered in the past."

Referrals may come from a probation officer, law enforcement and attorneys involved on either side of a person's case.

"One way or another, they will have come into contact with law enforcement," Sherbo said.