By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

County commissioners heard a review of the DWI Court and the Drug Court Tuesday morning, Nov. 18. Success with both programs was pointed out by County Probation Director Mike Schommer during the commissioners’ meeting at the County Government Services Center in Fergus Falls.

These courts, across the state of Minnesota, are designed for people to avoid jail time by voluntarily entering into programs that include enhanced supervision and treatment. 

Those enrolled in Otter Tail County must be motivated to work toward changing lifestyles and becoming free from alcohol and drugs. By reaching their goals, lives will be more fulfilling and communities will also benefit.

Schommer said that those enrolled have counseling as they go through recovery en route to reaching their goals. Over the years agreements have been in place for the programs between Otter Tail County Probation and the state of Minnesota, acting through the Seventh Judicial District.

Success of the DWI Court and Drug Court is a collaborative effort among county Human Services employees, the County Sheriff Office, area police departments, county probation employees, Court Administration and the County Attorney’s Office.

“We are close to our county court maximum of 40 people,” said Schommer to county commissioners, “and we now have a social worker to assist us.”

Tria Mann, treatment court program coordinator, said that keys to success for people in the DWI Court and Drug Court programs include having a “never give up” attitude, examining past errors, making amends for those errors and learning to live a new life with a new code of behavior.

County Board member Kurt Mortenson of rural Underwood has said the programs are “the most effective interventions regarding addiction.” 

Communicating with those facing addiction, early on, and getting them into programs as soon as possible is the key to success. Challenges involve addiction and mental health issues that are oftentimes intertwined.

The DWI Court and Drug Court programs also address housing, employment, schooling and other goals to provide pathways for productive lives.