TULSA, Okla. — Christopher Carter and Rachel Barnett made history as the first two graduates from a Tulsa County Alternative Courts program.
“People all the time say people can’t change. Everyone can,” Carter said, “And if you put your mind to it, you can do anything.”
Tulsa police said a few years ago Carter got into a bar fight. Investigators said he shoved a man to the ground and he got a head injury. The man died and Carter was set to serve several years in prison.
However, he served just one year, before getting into the alternative courts program.
Director Ericka Jeffords explained how Carter, and the program’s dozens of other participants, got involved.
“The majority of them showed that while they were in DOC, they attempted, if available, to participate in programs that helped them already,” Jeffords said.
According to the US Department of Justice, prison sentences create a cycle. Research shows about 75% of incarcerated people go back to prison because of a lack of resources. This program is designed to provide those resources.
WATCH: Tulsa County has a similar program for DUIs and other offenses:
Even with the help, Barnett says, it takes some gumption.
“Just the will. The willingness to change and wanna do better,” Barnett said.
Jeffords said Barnett has a longer history with the law. Carter had just one case. Now both are going back to the world, hoping to stay out of prison, and maximize their lives.
“I plan on being a great father. That’s my 100% main goal. I plan on helping people in this program, and maybe people that’s still incarcerated,” Carter said.
The next graduation for the program is scheduled for August.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- SUBSCRIBE on YouTube
