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In this episode of our series exploring the roles and responsibilities of treatment court team members, we sit down with retired Chief Judge Elizabeth Heath (N.C. District 8) of Eastern North Carolina. Judge Heath shares insights from her journey to the bench, the unique responsibilities of treatment court judges, and the challenges and triumphs of serving in a rural community. From balancing legal training with the human-centered approach of treatment courts to supporting participants beyond graduation, Judge Heath offers a thoughtful reflection on her career and life after retirement.

In Part Two of our special two-part series, we shift gears from designing alumni groups to bringing them to life. Join us as we dive into the key steps for successfully launching and sustaining alumni groups—from choosing the right meeting locations to learning from the National Treatment Court Alumni Association’s nationwide support efforts. Returning guests Carlos Gonzales and Michael Mooradian are back to share their powerful journeys—from starting local alumni groups to becoming national voices in the treatment court alumni movement. Their stories highlight how alumni groups can transform lives long after graduation. Tune in for inspiration, practical tips, and a deeper look at how alumni communities can be a lasting force for recovery.

In the first part of our two-part series, we delve into the design of alumni groups within treatment court programs. Join us as we explore the essential steps in creating effective alumni groups, identify common roadblocks, and discuss the critical role of alumni feedback in enhancing program outcomes. Our returning guests, Carlos Gonzales and Michael Mooradian, share their insights and experiences, shedding light on the various functions and benefits of alumni groups. Don't miss this informative and engaging episode!

We continue our mini-series 'Roles & Responsibilities' by exploring the positions of alumni and peer recovery support specialists (PRSS). Our co-hosts, Drs. Kristen DeVall and Christina Lanier, welcome treatment court alumni and peer support specialists Carlos Gonzales and Michael Mooradian. In this episode, we explore the impact the role of alumni and peer recovery support specialists have in the treatment court process, the differences between volunteer and paid, engagement, challenges, and more.

We begin our new mini-series 'Roles & Responsibilities' by exploring the position of program coordinator. Our co-hosts, Drs. Kristen DeVall and Christina Lanier, welcome Amy Galyon from Blount County Recovery Court in Tennessee. Listen as they discuss Amy's background, responsibilities of the program director/coordinator, additional selling the program, challenges the position faces, and more.

The State of the Field mini-series finally comes to an end with part two of our discussion focused on Tribal Healing To Wellness Courts (THWCs). Hosts Kristen DeVall, Ph.D. & Christina Lanier, Ph.D. continue their discussion with Kris Pacheco, Tribal Wellness Specialist for Tribal Law and Policy Institute, and Chief Judge John Haupt of the Makah tribe in Neah Bay, Washington. Listen as they discuss the current challenges in THWCs, legalization of marijuana, research among THWCs, and more.

We close out the State of the Field series with part one of an in-depth discussion on Tribal Healing To Wellness Courts (THWCs) in this month's episode. Hosts Kristen DeVall, Ph.D. & Christina Lanier, Ph.D. welcome Kris Pacheco, Tribal Wellness Specialist for Tribal Law and Policy Institute, and Chief Judge John Haupt of the Makah tribe in Neah Bay, Washington. Listen as they discuss the history of THWCs, the structure, who they serve, and more.

Hosts Kristen DeVall, Ph.D. & Christina Lanier, Ph.D. welcome Jane Pfeifer, MPA, Program Director at Center for Children and Family Futures, and Chad Rodi, Ph.D., Director at NPC Research, for discussion regarding the state of family treatment courts (FTCs). Listen as they define FTCs and how they have changed over time. They also discuss a family-centered approach, the Adoption and Safe Families Act, and more.

Hosts Kristen DeVall, Ph.D. & Christina Lanier, Ph.D. welcome Melissa Radcliff, Program Director at Our Children's Place of Coastal Horizons Center, for discussion regarding children of incarcerated parents (COIP). Listen as they discuss the data, related legislation, impacts on children, the involvement of law enforcement and other roles in COIP, and much more.

Hosts Kristen DeVall, Ph.D. & Christina Lanier, Ph.D. welcome Dr. Julie Baldwin, Research Professor in the Department of Justice, Law, & Criminology at American University, for discussion regarding the state of veterans treatment courts (VTCs). Listen as they discuss the history of VTCs, the differences between adult drug court and veterans treatment court, target population, risk assessment tools, challenges among programs, research, and much more.

Hosts Kristen DeVall, Ph.D. & Christina Lanier, Ph.D. welcome Jim Eberspacher, Director of the National Center for DWI Courts, for discussion regarding the state of DUI/DWI courts. Listen as they discuss the history and myths of DUI/DWI courts, target population, risk assessment tools, challenges in establishing new programs, current and potential research, and much more.

Proud of the work you and your treatment court team do and want to spread the word? Looking for ways to communicate with community partners to increase your court’s utilization? Listen as guest host Ben Yerby, the Integrated Marketing Communication Specialist for the NDCRC, welcomes Dr. Jeanne Persuit, Professor of Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and Director of Marketing & Communication for the NDCRC, as they discuss what integrated marketing communication is and how it can help you promote your treatment court’s work in your community, how to communicate with your audiences, and issues to think about as treatment court professionals performing in a communication role.

Hosts Kristen DeVall, Ph.D. & Christina Lanier, Ph.D. welcome Lisa Callahan, Ph.D., Senior Research Associate at Policy Research Associates, for a deep dive into the state of mental health courts (MHC). Listen in as they touch on the unique qualities of mental health courts, ideal program structure, the use of incentives and sanctions in MHCs, measuring success, tips for implementation, and much more.

Hosts Kristen DeVall, Ph.D. & Christina Lanier, Ph.D. welcome NDCI's Director of Juvenile Training and Technical Assistance Dr. Jacqueline van Wormer as they discuss the history of juvenile drug treatment courts, the differences between traditional juvenile justice and the JDTC model, brain development in youth, measuring success in programs, and more.

We are beginning our seven-part State of the Field series examining the current state of the treatment court field focusing on various court types. For the first installment, hosts Kristen DeVall, Ph.D. & Christina Lanier, Ph.D. welcome NADCP's Chief Executive Officer Carson Fox and Chief Operating Officer Terrence Walton as they discuss the history of treatment courts, cost-benefit, equity and inclusion, the importance of the Best Practice Standards, and the state of medication for addiction treatment (MAT).