The Mississippi Association of Drug Court Professionals

The Mississippi Association of Drug Court Professionals established, in 2010, a method by which outstanding Drug Courts, and Drug Court Professionals, can be recognized.  It was further established that this recognition would take place at the annual conference.  Finally, it was established that the recipient(s) of the previous year’s awards would conduct the review of those individuals and Drug Courts recommended for the current year’s award.  The recipients for the previous year are not eligible for the current year’s award.

Accordingly, solicitations are now being accepted for the following categories, calendar year 2010 (and the award to be presented):

• Adult Drug Court of the Year(Plaque of Recognition)
• Youth / Juvenile Drug Court of the Year(Plaque of Recognition)
• Drug Court Professional of the Year(Plaque of Recognition and $500 Cash Award)

The nominations should follow the format as shown on the attached; however, variations in order to make the point are authorized.  (Attachments, etc).  Submissions MUST be submitted via email.

Recipients of the 2009 awards were:

• Adult Drug Court:  12^th Circuit Court Drug Court (Judge Robert B. Helfrich)
• Youth/Juvenile Drug Court:  Pike County (Judge John Price)
• Professional of the Year:  Tiffany Parker McLain

Lucy Davenport has graciously agreed to chair the selection committee and all nominations for the Awards must be presented to Lucy at her email:be lucyd@co.forrest.ms.us. Nominations MUST be received Not Later Than 08 April 2011.

The award selectees will be made public at the MADCP Convention, 06 May 2011.

Nomination Criteria for the awards:

Adult and Juvenile Drug Court must have been functional for at least one (1) calendar year.  Drug Courts and Drug Court Professional nominees should have established a program, continued a program, and/or participated in community events on such a scale as to warrant exceptional recognition.  Additionally, any Drug Court (or individual in support of a Drug Court) who has clearly demonstrated a furtherance of the Drug Court model, either by participation in community related activities, submission of papers for publication in professional journals, etc, should be nominated.  The criteria is purposely open, to ensure the best Drug Courts and Drug Court Professionals can receive equal nomination and consideration.