New docket program aims to help women in Trumbull County

TRUMBULL COUNTY, OH - A new docket program aimed at helping women suffering from drug-related issues is underway in Trumbull County.
Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Cynthia Rice's new Women's Therapeutic docket program began on Monday, July 10.
The new program aims to provide women charged with drug related offenses where their drug use or mental health was a factor in the arrest an intensive probation.
The program will offer women suffering from drug addiction rehabilitation, as well as peer support and a safe space to discuss any traumas or issues they may be facing.
Judge Rice was inspired to adopt the Women's Therapeutic docket in Mahoning County after visiting a courtroom in Montgomery County, Ohio, who has a similar program.
Judge Rice said that she was impressed with their program, and how responsive women in that community were to it.
"I want to give women as much support as possible, get them off drugs and try to help them as much as I can," said Judge Rice.
This is only the second Women's Therapeutic docket program in the entire state of Ohio.
"I want to bring in a lot of peer support for these women, make it so they have other people around them who understand their situation," said Judge Rice.
Participants will need to complete five different phases of treatment before graduating from the program. Participants will have to undergo in drug testing, proof of employment, or enrollment in the docket employment program, as well as weekly peer meetings.