Loudoun County, Virginia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 24, 2018
Contact: Heather F. Williamson
Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office
20 East Market Street
Leesburg, VA 20176-2809
(703) 777-0242
LOUDOUN PROSECUTORS ATTEND REGIONAL OPIOID TRAINING
Leesburg – July 24, 2018. On Monday, July 23, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Jim Plowman and members of his staff participated in a regional opioid training in Arlington, VA. The training was sponsored by the National District Attorney’s Association in partnership with the Addiction Policy Forum. The training was one of eight regional trainings being offered across the country.
“This program was timely for us as we are on the cusp of reinstating the Loudoun County Drug Court,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Plowman. “It’s extremely beneficial to have these resources available to discuss the hurdles that other jurisdictions face as the role of the criminal justice system continues to adapt to new challenges.”
The training highlighted successful programs in the areas of diversion, treatment, recovery and prevention. The program also focused on identifying and developing best practices for setting up diversion programs and assisting prosecutors with replicating programs within their jurisdiction.
“The discussions provided further insight as we prepare to accept participants into our newly formed Mental Health Docket in the General District Court,” continued Plowman.
The program also touched on how the opioid crisis has impacted the criminal justice system, to include child welfare and traffic safety concerns.
The training was paid for by Addiction Policy Leadership Action Network. For more information on the Addiction Policy Forum, go to: www.addictionpolicy.org
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