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How community volunteers can help some offenders stay out of jail
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Judge Kathlene Gosselin of the Hall County Superior Court addresses audience members during a WomenSource Power Lunch in Gainesville, on Oct. 26, 2017. The luncheon featured panelists who are experts in accountability courts and individuals they have helped. Officials have renewed their call for volunteers to aid the program. - photo by David Barnes
Accountability court programs can keep people accused of certain crimes out of jail. The programs, such as Drug and DUI courts, work for a solution other than incarceration for people who have been charged with criminal offenses. The goal is to treat the underlying issues -- often with mental health or substance abuse -- that led to these crimes.