Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Local judges and staff report recovery court gains, cite housing and police partnership as keys
Summary
Lewis County officials and program staff said the county’s drug and family recovery courts have rebounded to pre-pandemic participant levels and credited a program house and police compliance officers for improved outcomes; a participant gave a personal testimony of recovery.
The Lewis County Board of Commissioners on May 5 heard a detailed update on its drug court and family recovery court programs, including participant outcomes and plans to expand a mental health docket.
The presentation, led by a court presenter and followed by Drug Court Manager Stephanie Miller, emphasized that the programs now serve 41 participants and that 85% of new participants start in a program house that provides stable, supervised housing. "We have a house where 85% of our participants start off," the presenter said, adding that the stability helps participants avoid triggers and engage in treatment.
Program staff and supporters credited contracts with the Centralia Police Department for providing compliance officers who check on participants and support recovery rather than simply enforcing arrests. The presenter identified officers Adam Hagerty and Alan Bowers as the compliance officers and said the partnership has helped participants stay accountable and connected to services.
Staff reported additional outcomes and supports: roughly 76% of participants are employed or attending school full time, 58% hold a driver’s license and insurance, and about 75% receive behavioral health treatment integrated with substance use disorder services. The presenter said three participants recently earned a high school diploma or GED, six found independent housing since January, and seven completed substance use disorder treatment.
A program participant, Nate Parks, gave a first-person account of the court’s effect on his life, saying he had been in the criminal-justice system for 10 years and that the court’s housing, treatment and supervision helped him restore sobriety and rebuild his life. "I've completely turned my life around," Parks said.
An attorney who supports the program urged commissioners to continue backing the courts and said participant testimony is a powerful illustration of the program’s impact.
The presenters also previewed upcoming events and next steps: a community 5K next Monday, program graduations on June 12 (family recovery court) and June 22 (drug court), and ongoing work to pursue a dedicated mental health court docket pending partner coordination and funding decisions.
The meeting record shows commissioners responding positively and encouraging public attendance at events; no formal action was required or taken on program funding or policy during the presentation.
