Newsviews: Cook County Drug Court Treatment program

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Many believe America needs to take a more compassionate approach to drug addiction.

That was the message from the Republican presidential candidates this past week while in New Hampshire. Illinois has seen drug-related deaths skyrocket in recent years. The candidates say part of that more compassionate approach includes expanding drug courts like the one operating in Cook County.

Since 1998, more than 3,300 people have taken part in one of the five Drug Court programs. They offer people a chance to get treatment for their addiction and their conviction vacated so they can move on, hopefully to a job or an education.

Talking more about this is Cook County Circuit Judge Charles Burns.

Part one

Newsviews: Cook County Drug Court Treatment program

Part two

Newsviews: Cook County Drug Court Treatment program