After launching in January 2019 and earning the distinction of certification from the Ohio Supreme Court’s Commission on Specialized Dockets in December 2020, Compass Drug Court continues to grow and make a difference in Washington County.

On March 31, Washington County Common Pleas Judge Mark Kerenyi presided over one of Compass Drug Court’s weekly sessions where participants appeared before the judge to report their progress in meeting the requirements of the program.

A Compass Court client who has been in the program since April of 2023 was scheduled to graduate from the program that afternoon. That individual will be the 52nd graduate of the Compass Drug Court program.

Compass Drug Court is an intense program, at least 14 months in length, that aims to help offenders with drug and/or alcohol addictions get the treatment and skills they need to achieve a sober, law-abiding, healthy lifestyle. Individuals must meet eligibility requirements and agree to participate, since the program is long and challenging.

Participants are required to complete five program phases (Compliance, Program Engagement, Growth, Development, and Maintenance), participate in case management, and establish and complete their program plan based on their needs and goals.

Additionally, participants must attend recommended substance use and mental health treatment programs and meetings, address education and employment needs, pay financial obligations, and submit to random drug and alcohol testing. Rewards are given for sobriety and program compliance and sanctions are imposed when program rules are not followed. Participants must remain drug and alcohol free for a minimum of eight months prior to completing the program.

Kerenyi said that what makes Compass Drug Court unique is the amount of collaboration and time that the participants and the team invest in each other and in the program.

“Compass Drug Court helps individuals establish long-term sobriety, develop healthy living practices, pursue an education or employment, repair broken relationships, and become productive members of the community,” said Kerenyi. “We don’t just address the charges that brought these men and women into court, but we get to know them and help them address the circumstances that need changed so that they don’t recidivate or return to a life of addiction.”

Oriana House Program Coordinator Tayla Kemp-Hays said Compass Court offers eligible men and women who struggle with the disease of addiction a different path through the court system.

“As a team of professionals, we look at each client, not as someone who has committed a crime, but rather as someone who needs help,” said Kemp-Hays. “It’s a difficult program, but it comes with the support, assistance, and accountability needed so the lives of our clients and their families can be changed.”

The Compass Drug Court Team includes the Common Pleas Court, Adult Probation, Public Defenders Office, and Prosecutor’s Office of Washington County; Oriana House Inc.; Rigel Recovery Services and other treatment providers; law enforcement; and other community partners. Funding comes in part from the Washington County Behavioral Health Board and the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance.

No funds have been expended from the Washington County general fund to operate Compass Drug Court.