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RECOVERY COURT

Effective Treatment as an Alternative to Incarceration

What We Do

Recovery Court addresses the needs of defendants whose primary dependency on alcohol or non-opiate drugs results in criminal charges and low-level felonies. The program establishes effective treatment as an alternative to incarceration improving quality of life and increasing community safety by providing Court oversight and linking defendants to appropriate treatment and service providers.

Community Partnerships

Recovery Court works with a variety of community partners and providers to offer a wide range of supportive and therapeutic services including an employment program with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities that assists acquiring employment during and after their time in the program.

"We are really glad to be able to offer this opportunity to our participants."

— Judge David Tyack, Former Judge of Recovery Court

History

Recovery Court, formerly the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Program (ADAP) was created in 2009 as a voluntary specialized docket program and as the original drug court. The Program is certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio to provide services to high risk, high need defendants. Participation in Recovery Court has steadily increased over the last decade and currently serves 60-75 participants, with approximately 75% having OVI charges involving alcohol or drugs.

“Staff is amazing and was always there to help. There were clear expectations to follow so if you plan your day it was not overwhelming to manage.”

- Matt M., Recovery Court Participant

“I really appreciated the true concern and help that Recovery Court provided for me and the other people that are involved in the program. I hope that they all understand and know that they really do help change lives.”

-Tom C., Recovery Court Participant

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“The accountability on going to AA meetings and drug screens helped me, knowing if I did not comply I would face more consequences. The support of the Judge and staff helped me make it through some tough times.”

-Casey S., Recovery Court Participant

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What to Expect

Participants in Recovery Court agree to the following:

Plead guilty and be placed on community control sanctions
No possession, purchase, sale or use of illegal substances and/or alcohol
Participation in individual or group counseling, mental health and/or anger management treatment
Attend weekly check-ins and individual status reviews
Daily calls and random drug testing

Legal and Clinicial Eligbility

Legal and clinical eligibility criteria, not demographics, are considered during candidate evaluation. The program is voluntary and the Judge has the final decision on admission based on eligibility, suitability, and participation during orientation.

Referral on a pending charge related to a substance use disorder
Offense occurred within the Court’s territorial jurisdiction
No history of disqualifying legal charges
Completion of behavioral psycho-social assessment by licensed clinician
Willingness to participate in recommended treatment

Participant Benefits

Participants receive many benefits to participating in the program:

Reduce possibility of reoffending or future jail stays
Discover and enjoy a clean and sober lifestyle
Learn and practice healthy coping skills to deal with life stressors
Improve relationships with their friends, family, and community
Receive visitation and/or custody of children
Make positive community connections and develop healthy, supportive social networks.

Benefits of Participation

Participants will have access to drug, alcohol and mental health treatment services, get help finding local employment, education, or vocational training assistance, be connected to community resources to gain housing, education, transportation, healthcare and many other services.

Benefits of Participation
Participant Expectations

Recovery Court is a two year program with high expectations. The judge, staff and fellow participants assist through the entire journey to sobriety, reflecting on hard work and dedication, giving pride in accomplishments. The Court uses evidence-based practices to achieve and maintain sobriety while remaining connected to their communities.

Participant Expectations
Requirements

Personal accountability, life balance, boundaries, confidence to make sober and healthy choices, direction to create goals and make plans, encouragement and support networks in court and in life are all essential in assisting participants to succeed.

Requirements

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