The belt tightening begins in Iowa! The governor has released more details about his across the board budget cuts, but it seems getting rid of one program might do more harm than good.

The Drug Court system was developed to prevent overcrowding in jails, and over the 10 years it's been in Woodbury County, court officials say they've graduated over 500 adults and juveniles, all while keeping inmate numbers down.

But this program could soon be gone for good.

Iowa Governor Chet Culver's plan to cut $520-million from 36 state departments is hitting hard across the state.

"It won't be easy but I have no doubt that together we will weather these challenges and come out of this stronger than ever," said Culver at a Wednesday press conference.

Some of the cuts in his plan include the Department of Human Services, which funds Drug Court.

Courtroom 1 was packed at the Law Enforcement Center Monday evening as people brainstormed ways to keep Drug Court going.

Court officials say without it offenders will be sent to traditional court where they have less supervision and treatment.

"They're not held as accountable and as a consequence their addiction continues to flourish and they commit more crimes," said Chief Juvenile Court Officer of District 3 Gary Niles.

For adults, that means overcrowded jails and more chances to relapse. For kids that means residential treatments that can cost the state up to $60,000 a year per child.

"Community based services have been proven to be very effective," said Niles. "They're cheaper, you keep kids within their home, within their school, where they have to learn to deal with the stressors that cause them to be dysfunctional."

At the age of 16 Brian Meis was one of those kids.Without the guidance of Drug Court, he doesn't know where he'd be.

"I don't like to think about that, I wasn't headed anywhere good," said Meis.

Meis says with drug use in high schools more prevalent than ever, Drug Court is even more crucial.

"Mostly the people who you don't think it would be, are the ones who are doing it," said the now college student.

With a six year study in hand showing Drug Court's effectiveness, Meis and others who owe their life to the program are hoping by telling their stories they can help sway lawmakers from cutting funding.

"It really gave me a chance to excel and succeed," said Meis.

To read the full report on Drug Court's effectiveness, go to the following link:

http://www.iowacourts.gov/District_Courts/District_Three/News_and_Announcements/index.asp