SAFPF Court Continues to Help Substance Abusers Rebuild Lives

Posted By: Marsha Bills

Begun in 2001 by Judge Robert Francis, the Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility now serves more than 200 participants. Moved to the George Allen Courts Building in February, Judge Francis presides over sessions in which clients report their progress in this special program created to assists former abuses in obtaining medical treatment and other services needed to rebuild their lives and avoid the cycle of abuse. New Deputy Clerk Barbara Lemaire, pictured, arranges meetings between clients and the support team and performs other duties on a daily basis. “It takes a lot of coordination to make this process work because clients work with so many counselors and support team members.”

Each Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, clients – some with family members who are encouraged to become involved – participate in what is considered a pilot program for Texas. Clients’ original sentencing judges and attorneys recommend them for the program, which includes group meetings with counselors, medical screening and, sometimes, medication.

A team of probation officers, counselors, and mental health officers provide support for clients with the goal of avoiding problems that lead them into the difficulties of their previous life styles. Clients are also required to meet with their probation officers and undergo periodic drug testing.

The SAFPF program continues for from nine to 11 months when clients graduate and continue regular probation until their original felony sentence is completed. “We are very proud of the progress we have made with this team effort and the program’s effectiveness,” says Judge Francis. “We hope that courts across the state will look at our track record and create similar approaches to breaking the cycle that results in courts, jails and prisons crowded with repeat offenders, and most importantly, lives destroyed by substance abuse.”

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