About 3,500 attendees are expected to convene at the world's largest conference on addiction, mental health and the criminal justice system July 17-20, when the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) hosts the 17th Annual Drug Court Training Conference at Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, MD.
Drug Courts reduce drug addiction, crime, recidivism, and foster rehabilitation while saving taxpayer money. Veterans Treatment Courts are the newest court program to ensure veterans in the criminal justice system suffering from substance abuse and/or mental health disorders get the treatment they need upon returning from combat.
To support Veterans Treatment Courts, the conference includes an evening of comedy and music:
Jokes & Jazz for Vets benefit event at 7:30 p.m., Monday, July 18 at Gaylord National Hotel. The benefit features comedian Alonzo Bodden, winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing, and the Denny Seiwell Trio, led by a founding member of Paul McCartney's band, Wings. Advance tickets are $25, $20 with military discount, available at www.JusticeForVets.org or $30 onsite.
"Drug Courts work better than any other justice program, the fact that 75% of all graduates from Drug Court remain arrest free and out of jail is a number that cannot be ignored. This conference is a great opportunity to show Congress that Drug Courts are a proven budget solution that saves money, cuts crime and serves veterans; they are crucial to criminal justice reform efforts," said West Huddleston, CEO of NADCP.
Newsworthy highlights of the NADCP conference attended by state and federal justice leaders, celebrities, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, clinicians, police and probation officers, military veterans, and Drug Court graduates and their families include:
Sunday, July 17
The country's first Veterans Treatment Court Summit will begin with issue-oriented sessions at the Gaylord National Resort Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, MD, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Topics will include Military Cultural Competency, Domestic Violence in the Military and among Veterans, and a panel discussion on Confronting Key Issues Facing New and Existing Veterans Treatment Courts.
Monday, July 18
8 a.m. Opening Ceremony panel discussion, "Strange Bedfellows: The Political Appeal of Drug Courts"
Panelists include Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor Martin Sheen; former Drug Czar Bill Bennett (invited); former Congressman Asa Hutchinson (R-AR); actor Harry Lennix; Former Indiana Attorney General and Gary, Indiana Democratic mayoral primary winner Judge (ret.) Karen Freeman-Wilson; Last Comic Standing winner Alonzo Bodden; and Alabama Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb. Former U.S. Congressman Jim Ramstad (R-MN), will moderate.
"Parade of Transformation" featuring Drug Court graduates and families sharing stories of overcoming addiction in Drug Court follows the panel.
7:30 p.m. Jokes & Jazz for Vets, see above.
Tuesday, July 19
8:30 a.m. rally, Upper Senate Park, Capitol Hill with Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court professionals, program graduates, and celebrities. Music Legend Trey Anastasio will join actors Martin Sheen, Harry Lennix, Matthew Perry, and Melissa Fitzgerald; and Congressional leaders. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and Senators Al Franken (D-MN) and Rand Paul (R-KY) slated to attend. Open to public and media.
Wednesday, July 20
11 a.m., Closing Keynote, Dr. Jill Biden (invited), "Joining Forces," highlighting White House initiative "Strengthening our Military Families: Meeting America's Commitments" and emergence of Veterans Treatment Courts. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki (invited) and General (ret.) Barry McCaffrey, former U.S. Drug Czar, will speak on importance of Drug Courts and Veterans Treatment Courts. Music legend and Drug Court graduate Trey Anastasio will also provide keynote remarks.
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