Two individuals have successfully completed the Kensington wellness court, prompting the Parker administration to seek its expansion.

In the months since the launch of the Neighborhood Wellness Court in Kensington, a new initiative aimed at assisting individuals with addiction issues, results have raised questions about its overall effectiveness. The fast-track court program, which aims to provide immediate drug treatment for those arrested in the area, has only seen two participants successfully complete treatment since its inception. Out of more than 40 individuals brought before the court, nearly two-thirds dropped out of the treatment process shortly after beginning and failed to attend subsequent hearings.

Despite these troubling statistics, the administration of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker maintains that these numbers do not reflect a failure of the program. The city has requested an additional .7 million in funding from City Council to enhance the court’s operations, including plans to increase the operational days from one to five per week and hire additional staff to better support participants.

The Wellness Court has been promoted by Parker’s administration as a vital component in the broader strategy to dismantle the open-air drug market prevalent in Kensington. The area has long struggled with issues related to drug use, distribution, and homelessness. However, the pilot phase of the court has raised critical concerns regarding its ability to effectively assist individuals who face complex physical and mental health challenges.

During a recent budget hearing, Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke expressed skepticism regarding the program’s funding, citing the substantial costs involved and limited transparency surrounding the court’s outcomes. The head of the city’s Office of Public Safety, Adam Geer, declined to provide detailed statistics on treatment completion rates, arguing that it is premature to evaluate the program based solely on early data.

Currently, the court operates by identifying individuals in apparent addiction within Kensington, offering them the choice between immediate rehab and minor criminal charges associated with public drunkenness or obstructing a highway. Participants found guilty are liable for fines ranging between 0 to 0. However, the overwhelming majority are opting for treatment, even as many struggle to remain engaged in the process.

Efforts to assess and refine the process are ongoing, with city officials emphasizing the importance of every interaction with individuals facing addiction, which may ultimately lead them toward treatment. Mayor Parker’s administration continues to seek significant investment—totaling .9 million over the next five years—to support broader strategies aimed at rehabilitating Kensington and providing necessary services to combat addiction.

While local leaders stress their commitment to making the Wellness Court a success, they acknowledge the need for ongoing dialogue and accountability as they navigate the complexities of addiction treatment in the community. The forthcoming months will be critical in determining whether the program can achieve its intended goals amidst the challenges presented by addiction and public safety.