Franklin County Treatment Court to Honor 47th and 48th Graduates

The Franklin County Good Wolf Treatment Court is set to recognize the achievements of its 47th and 48th graduates during a public ceremony scheduled for January 15. The event will commence at 5 p.m. in the Historic Courtroom of the Franklin County Judicial Center, located at 14 N. Main St., Chambersburg.

Established in April 2017, the Good Wolf Treatment Court was initiated as a direct response to the opioid epidemic impacting Franklin County. This program represents a cooperative endeavor involving the probation department, local law enforcement, and professionals in mental health services and treatment counseling. It offers individuals facing criminal charges a demanding alternative to incarceration, with a focus on fostering sobriety, encouraging recovery, and promoting honesty and accountability.

Eligibility for the program requires individuals to be screened and receive a recommendation from the Franklin County District Attorney’s office. Following this, they must undergo an assessment for drug and alcohol use administered by a clinical provider. Prospective participants are also expected to acknowledge their criminal conduct and agree to a sentencing plan that may include periods of incarceration alongside comprehensive treatment.

Throughout their participation, individuals in the treatment court typically appear every two weeks for close monitoring of their progress. Community service is a mandatory component of the program. The core principles of the Good Wolf Treatment Court revolve around honesty and accountability, with participants subject to incentives for positive progress and sanctions for setbacks. To date, 139 individuals have entered the Good Wolf Treatment Court program since its inception, with 48 successfully completing its rigorous requirements. This program has demonstrated its effectiveness in saving lives by combining accountability, active engagement, honesty, dedicated treatment, and significant life changes, while simultaneously reducing the financial burden associated with prosecution and imprisonment. In the event of severe weather conditions, the graduation ceremony will be postponed to January 29. For further inquiries regarding the Good Wolf Treatment Court, individuals can contact 717-261-3848.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Franklin County Government

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