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Court program announces 'Fresh Start' warrant-clearing events and reports participant successes
Summary
Amanda Cleary described the Second Chance Recovery Program's work with justice-involved people with substance-use disorder, reported participant outcomes and announced Fresh Start events (April 28/29) where certain warrants can be recalled and fees addressed without fear of arrest.
Amanda Cleary, who runs the Second Chance Recovery Program for the municipal court, told commissioners on April 7 that the specialized docket works with justice-involved individuals battling substance-use disorder to provide treatment, housing and employment supports.
"We currently have 5 participants in the program with 1 starting or will be graduating next week. 4 of the 5 are employed and 2 of them are currently in independent housing," Cleary said, summarizing participant outcomes. She said one participant was reunified with a child and had their CPS case closed, which she described as a program success.
Cleary announced an upcoming 'Fresh Start' initiative that will allow individuals with active traffic or review warrants through the Arlington Municipal Court to appear on April 28 or April 29 without fear of arrest; the court will recall warrants, help set payment plans, assist with driving-privilege issues and may forgive some fines and fees. The court will post details online and send the information to local newspapers; Cleary asked the commissioners and partners to help publicize the events.
The program operates under a Community Corrections Act grant, and the court is recruiting a part-time client support coordinator to help connect participants to community resources; Cleary said the court has seen the program reduce burdens on the sheriff's office and improve outcomes for participants.
Next steps: the court will post event dates and contact information, and community partners were asked to share the announcement so people with warrants can access the Fresh Start opportunity.
