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Drug Court Savings Extend Beyond Prison Costs
March 26, 2004

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Research Summary

A study by New York State's Lackawanna Drug Court and Erie County Department of Social Services found that participation in the drug court program saved the county $2,102,641 in public assistance, foster care, substance-free births, and child support.

Data for the study were chosen from a cohort of drug court graduates in 2000. Graduates saved the county $1,349,154 in public assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid by leaving those programs after finding employment. Many of the cases were closed, saving staff time and resources. Additionally, family members of graduates saved $206,588 in public assistance.

The county realized over $58,000 annual savings in foster care. Five children who had been in foster care were returned to their homes, and 32 children were allowed to stay in their homes because of a parent's involvement in drug court. Moreover, nine healthy babies were born to this cohort of drug court graduates, saving $360,000.

Finally, improved child support by graduates reduced public assistance payments by $97,392. Some individuals increased payments by $31,206 annually. Additionally, the child support office collected more than $15,000 in arrears payments.

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