Written by King County Superior Court, March 2026
King County Drug Diversion Court (KCDDC) will hold an in-person graduation ceremony on March 11, 2026 in the Presiding Courtroom (E-942) of the King County Courthouse, 516 3rd Avenue, Seattle to celebrate KCDDC participants who successfully completed program requirements this month, earning a dismissal of their felony charges or other negotiated outcome. The March 11 graduates will mark a milestone for this therapeutic court program as it surpasses 3,000 total graduates.
“The Drug Court program I participated in was like a rebirth for all the ways they helped me to transform my life and also my family’s. I am grateful to be part of this team and be given the opportunity to give back as I am pretty sure that without their support and compassion, I would not be here today,” says Jeff Foster, a KCDDC graduate who now works with the program as a Peer Services Specialist.
KCDDC graduates, current participants, team members, service providers, and community leaders will be in attendance.
Doors open and festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. with light refreshments and opportunities for connection. The formal program of graduates and speakers introducing them will begin at 9 a.m. The Honorable Michael Scott, the current KCDDC Judge, will preside over the graduation. Media and members of the community are welcome to attend.
One of the first drug courts in the United States and the first in Washington State, KCDDC provides treatment, case management, comprehensive resources, and structured support to adults charged with felony property and other drug-related crimes. After choosing to participate in KCDDC, participants are held accountable to program requirements including frequent, random urinalysis drug testing, treatment attendance, community service hours, appearing before the KCDDC judge on a regular basis, and in order to graduate, engagement in at least 20 hours per week of a productive activity such as employment.
KCDDC is a minimum 10-month program, with the average participant completing in 16 months. Participants must demonstrate a substantial period of abstinence and compliance and meet specific milestones to progress through the five program phases and graduate.
An analysis by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) shows that 90% of KCDDC participants have no new felonies in the 36 months after starting KCDDC and that 73% have no new convictions at any level within this three-year period. Notably, these numbers are for participants, not just for graduates. Beyond preventing recidivism, Drug Court participation has also been shown to decrease homelessness and increase employment.
Judge Michael Scott, who began presiding over KCDDC earlier this year, reflects on the experience: “On every calendar, I hear from participants who are showing up for treatment, moving into housing after many years of living on the street, starting jobs, reconnecting with children and family, stepping up to responsibilities, finding hope, mentoring others, and discovering hobbies, talents, and new things about themselves. The positive changes that Drug Court participants make inspire me. I am grateful for the opportunity to play a role in their journeys.”