National Recovery Month is a time to recognize and celebrate those in recovery from substance use disorder. It promotes and supports treatment and recovery practices, the nation's strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of everyone – across the nation and right here in Fairfax County – who make recovery in all its forms possible. Recovery from substance use disorder looks different for everyone and there are different paths people can take to find recovery. One option for individuals struggling with substance misuse challenges who have come into contact with the criminal justice system is the Fairfax Recovery Court.
What is the Fairfax Recovery Court?
The Fairfax Recovery Court is a specialty court docket, an intensive, structured program that integrates substance use treatment and court supervision. Courts such as these are increasingly common across the state and nation.
The mission of the Fairfax Recovery Court is to enhance public safety by providing cost effective, research-based interventions that result in participant accountability, reduced recidivism, and positive participant outcomes. It is aligned with the best practice standards of All Rise (formerly known as the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP)) and is an essential component of our Diversion First initiative and opioid response strategy.
The Recovery Court length is a minimum of 14 months and requires individuals to move through five phases, each designed to address different stages of the recovery process. Movement through the phases is individualized and the treatment and support provided in each one is determined by evidence-based assessments and an individual’s goals and needs. Upon completion, all participants will have their charges reduced or dismissed depending on the individual circumstances of their situation. Participants gain tools needed to maintain a successful, fulfilling and law-abiding life.
Over 70 people have participated in the Fairfax Recovery Court and of that, 27 have graduated and about 22 are current, active participants.
Since December 2018 when the Fairfax Recovery Court launched, a multi-agency team including the Fairfax Circuit Court, Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB), the Fairfax Office of the Public Defender, Fairfax Office of the Commonwealth Attorney, Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, and Virginia Department of Corrections have worked collaboratively to support participants on their personalized recovery journey.
SIGN UP FOR DAILY EMAIL HEADLINES