Washington County Drug Court Graduation

MARIETTA, OH — Today Jodi Cain graduated from drug court in Washington County. This was the first in-person graduation since the outbreak of COVID-19.

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The Washington County drug court is only a couple of years old, and not for everyone. The court has to identify the individual as eligible for the program, a non-violent, lower-level felony drug offender, not a sex offender, or drug trafficker.

There was only one graduation today, but eight graduation ceremonies. Before the graduation, it was a routine status hearing for all drug court participants.

In these status hearings, Judge Kerenyi goes over issues with each individual. He acts more like a therapist than a judge. Every single drug court participant got their day in court, but in a good way. Some come in and admit that they’re struggling, others are doing great, and are justifiably proud of that.

Each participant is called up, and Judge Kerenyi does their status hearing openly in front of all. Kerenyi’s assistant Natalie vocalizes any issues good or bad known to the court. The judge takes real time with each participant. How is your job? How is your family? How is your sobriety? What can we do to improve that? These are the kinds of questions Kerenyi asks. If there are serious issues the person is facing, they deal with them in the courtroom. Kerenyi encourages those struggling to reach out to others. If they mess up they let the program know. Honesty is valued and encouraged in this program.

Kerenyi has said the idea is to better these people in all aspects of life, not just avoiding drinking and drugging. He appears to be personally invested in their betterment.

One thing that’s striking is the courtroom experience. This is not the typical courtroom experience you see in Law and Order. Most courtrooms are procedural and cold, they focus on evidence, outcomes, and penalties. This is a warm and open environment. It feels encouraging and positive. Informal, but caring. Jovial and relaxed. It appears to be a kind of unlikely family environment that’s somehow been created through the court. A collection of tragedies to triumph that you can’t help but cheer for.

Jodi said she was extremely nervous to graduate, but proud. She said with the help of drug court she got her kids back. She doesn't want to get high anymore. She has an altogether better life, and like many in the program, she didn't initially want to do it. "Without them, I wouldn't have turned my life around. Today I have 329 days clean, I have custody of all three of my children back, I own my own home. Things are going great and I owe it all to the compass drug court program."

Jodi was the only graduate today, but there were seven others who showed up to get their diploma in person, because their Zoom ceremonies didn't scratch that itch. Friends and families packed the courtroom and cheered them on. One by one they got a chance to say a few things about their journey and where they are now.

One graduate said he actually enjoyed coming to court.

Another said, teary-eyed, that he actually feels like he’s a better person now.

Another graduate said, "The people who are still in addiction out there that you think are your friends, who you think love you. No, they don’t. The love is in here."

Kerenyi is extremely glad to see the program is working for so many, “trick is to make sure it stays this way.” He told the graduates that their success is everyone's success. "You make it worthwhile for all of us." He also told the graduates that they now have a responsibility to reach out to those still in the program and help them out. Then cake was served.

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