COVID-19 restrictions on event size prompt a delay into 2021
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Allen Superior Court has postponed its landmark 50th Drug Court graduation due to restrictions on event sizes brought on by COVID-19.
The event, which had been scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, at the Allen County Courthouse, will be postponed until the spring of 2021.
“Drug Court graduation is a moment that deserves to be celebrated without reservation or worry,” said Allen Superior Court Judge Frances C. Gull, Drug Court Supervising Judge. “Many of our clients have worked toward this day for years and want their families to witness their victory over addiction. We simply cannot do that right now, so we’ve made the difficult choice to wait.”
Allen Superior Court’s Drug Court program began in 1997 as the first problem-solving court in Allen County and the third in Indiana at the time. In 2020, through 49 previous graduations, 981 participants have completed the program. The number of graduates was likely to have surpassed 1,000 at the next Drug Court graduation – the program’s fiftieth.
Currently, Allen County’s COVID-19 cases put it in a red status, as determined by the Indiana Department of Health. Under that status, social gatherings are limited to 25 people and it is advised that special, seasonal or commercial events not be held.
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