Newest Enrollees Of Program Getting Prostitutes Off The Streets Graduate Today

A Franklin County courts program that tries to permanently steer prostitutes off the streets through a variety of educational and medical interventions is honoring its five newest graduates today during ceremonies in Bexley. Municipal Court Judge Paul Herbert started the program five years ago. He says many prostitutes in his courtroom shared the same problems as domestic violence victims. Women in the program must attend weekly meetings in Herbert's courtroom. They must receive counseling and medical treatment. They must also get help finding jobs and finishing high school degrees if needed. Participants must also stay off the streets, observe curfews and be drug-free.