August 2023 Newsletter _Published

Council of Accountability Court Judges of Georgia NEWSLETTER August|2023 From the CACJ Staff Contents The Council of Accountability Court Judges’ Annual Meeting Cobb County Drug Treatment Court – pg.2 Clayton County Behavioral Health Court – The Council of Accountability Court Judges held elections at the pg. 3 June 23, 2023 Annual Council meeting to vote for FY24 Executive Wayne County Drug Court – pg. 4 Committee members. The Council of Accountability Court Judges Rockdale County Juvenile Drug Court – pg. would like to announce Judge Lawton E. Stephens as the new 4 Council Executive Chair. Judge Stephens presides over the Fulton County Accountability Court – pg. 5 Western Judicial Circuit Felony Drug Court. Judge Stephens Model Court: Cherokee Judicial Circuit received the Executive Chair torch from Judge Charles E. Drug Court – pg. 7 Auslander, III who served as Executive Chair in FY23 and as CACJ News – pg. 9 Funding Committee Chair from FY20-FY22. Judge Auslander will Career Opportunities – pg. 10 continue to serve as the Immediate Past Chair for the Council. Conference Information – pg. 10 Judge Brian A. McDaniel, Southern Judicial Circuit and presiding judge for the Colquitt County Accountability Court, was elected to Georgia’s Accountability Courts are Expanding! serve as the FY24 Vice Chair. The Council also thanked inaugural The Council of Accountability Court Judges welcomes Executive Committee member Chief Judge D. Scott Smith, two new implementation programs in FY24: Clayton Cherokee Judicial Circuit, and Judge Jack Niedrach of the Rome County Juvenile Court Family Treatment Court and Judicial Circuit and Chief Judge W. James Sizemore, Jr. of the Augusta Judicial Circuit Family Treatment Court. The Southwestern Judicial Circuit for their dedicated service to the total number of CACJ certified accountability court CACJ Executive Committee. The Council welcomes Judge Shana programs in Georgia has increased to 186 as of July 1, Rooks Malone, Clayton Judicial Circuit, Judge Brian McDaniel, 2023. Southern Judicial Circuit, and Judge B. Chan Caudell, Mountain Judicial Circuit, as new Executive Committee members. Judge Lawton E. Stephens CACJ Newsletter | August 2023 1 | Page

Cobb County Drug Treatment Court Graduation On Monday, July 17, judges, elected officials, community members, court staff, attorneys, family members, and friends packed the Cobb County Superior Court Ceremonial Courtroom to congratulate the four newest graduates of the Cobb County Drug Treatment Court. The graduates and staff shared moments of tears and laughter as they detailed their journey. The overriding theme was a sense of accomplishment, hope, and excitement for the next chapter of their lives. The Drug Treatment Court is an alternative to incarceration for individuals involved in the justice system with a substance use disorder. The 18–24-month program uses a combination of close supervision, individualized evidence- based treatment, and recovery support to hold offenders accountable for their actions and teach them to be productive members of the community. One of the graduates shared, “I am very grateful for this program. It has helped me through a really tough time in my life. Drug Court has taught me how to not only cope with my addiction but to be a better person all around. I am very grateful and appreciative to have gone through it.” Superior Court Judge Kimberly A. Childs presides over the Drug Treatment Court and the multi-disciplinary team administering the program. “Through the efforts of our dedicated team and with the continued support of our stakeholders, the Cobb County Drug Treatment Court transforms the courtroom into a place of hope and healing. Instead of punishment, we offer evidence-based treatment and compassion to foster a lifetime of sobriety,” remarked Judge Childs. Submitted by Porsha Middlebrook, Cobb County Drug Treatment Court Program Coordinator CACJ Newsletter | August 2023 2 | Page

Clayton County Behavioral Health Court Celebrates 3rd Graduation The Clayton County Behavioral Health Accountability Court celebrated its third graduation on July 25 with two outstanding participants reaching this milestone event. Both graduates reached major life goals during their time in BHC, and each has big plans for their future. One graduate, DP, reached her goal of full-time employment as she had only been able to obtain part-time work prior to BHC. DP, working with a temp agency, secured employment with one of the giant tech firms. Due to some limitations resulting from a catastrophic car wreck, DP was seeking remote office type work. Obtaining a position with Apple is ideal, and with her tremendous work ethic and quick grasp, she is on hterrewmaeyn.dSohueshwaodrdkoentehiscoawndelql uatichkegrrpasops,itsiohne tishoatnshheeriws baey.inSgheprhoamdodtoendeasnod hired on as a full employee with Apple. well at her position that she is being promoted and hired on as a full employee with Apple. DP wishes to return to her friends and family in California, and because she made a wise, long-term choice, she is able to “take her job with her”. Her mom, sister, and nephews were able to attend her graduation to celebrate this momentous occasion with her. BHC selects a word that best describes each graduate. DP’s word is strength. Having just been passing through Georgia, DP participated without any local friends or family to support her. DP leaned into BHC. She became a great source of feedback for newer participants. She had strength for herself and shared it with others unconditionally. LK graduated from Clayton BHC in record time. He entered BHC with an attitude of “I’m gonna do this right”, and he did without a single sanction or misstep! He moved phases exactly on time. LK reached his goal of full-time, permanent employment while in BHC. He is pleased to have a unique work schedule (4:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. four days a week), which allows him to pursue other interests. He enjoys driving his new car, which he was able to purchase while in BHC, spending time with his family and friends, and as he says, “just chillin”. LK’s next goal is to secure independent living, and he is well on his way to doing that. LK saves 50% of each paycheck and will be using that for a deposit and rent for his own place, which he hopes to be in by the end of the year. LK has an infectious smile. He also committed the handbook to memory. Anytime there was a process question, LK could come up with the answer quicker than staff! He knows all the rules, phase conditions, and did not hesitate to correct staff if something was misstated. The word for LK is consistent. He is the picture of consistency in commitment to BHC, attention to all requirements, and attitude toward staff and other participants. Both graduates had wise words for those coming after them: “All participants can complete BHC. Just put your head down, be honest, and take advantage of the tools and resources offered through BHC”. Submitted by Adrienne Bowen, Clayton County Behavioral Health Accountability Court Coordinator CACJ Newsletter | August 2023 3 | Page

Wayne County Drug Court Graduation On July 13, 2023, Wayne County Commissioners Mike Gordon and Tim Hopkins, as well as County Administrator Paul Drawdy, joined Judge Stephen Kelley in congratulating the July 2023 graduates of the Wayne County Drug Court. Each of the eight graduates talked about their struggles with substance abuse and how the drug court program had a life changing impact for them. Their stories ranged from growing up in families that offered the love and support children needed to growing up in multiple foster homes or in families with generational drug use. While their paths to drug court were different, their struggles with addiction and the damages done to their families are the same. Each of these graduates have been able to remain drug free for at least six months, and they remain committed to recovery. Submitted by Shelley Cyphers, Brunswick Judicial Circuit Drug Court Administrator Rockdale County Juvenile Drug Court Exhibits at 2023 All Rise Conference Rockdale County Juvenile Drug Court, a.k.a. the Bridge Program, was highlighted at the recent All Rise Conference in Houston, Texas. The Rockdale County team, led by Judge Maureen Wood, exhibited their work on motivating youth change and accountability through a creative implementation of a points system. The team has been participating in training and technical assistance with the National Council of Juvenile Court and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) and was selected to exhibit at All Rise because of their successful OJJDP All Sites’ presentation in April. To develop an effective “micro-economy” or points-based system, the Rockdale County team identified drug testing, treatment, and education as areas most important to participant success in the Bridge program. Youth earn points at each review both for showing up and for performance in each area. For example, youth earn points for taking a drug test (5 points) even if the result is positive (0 points). Participants must earn a minimum number of points for each phase up, in addition to completing evidence-based treatment curricula and sustaining longer periods of sobriety. The point system has been a huge success so far. Program Coordinator, Tamara Why the Bridge Program? McCombs, reports, “The point system has brought a new level of excitement to the Judge Wood said, “Our training program. The youth are super motivated to earn points and see how soon they can teaches us to remove shame and phase up.” Participants receive a progress sheet at each review showing the anticipated stigma from SUD. For us, ‘Drug phase-up date, number of points earned, and other outstanding requirements for Court’ labeled the problem. The phase advancement. The Rockdale County team is also excited to see what future data ‘Bridge’ speaks to the solution, a may reveal about the impact of the points system on time in each phase, program path to sobriety and success.” retention, and graduation rates. Submitted by Diana Summers, Rockdale County Juvenile Court Programs Administrator CACJ Newsletter | August 2023 4 | Page

CACJ Newsletter | August 2023 Fulton County Accountability Court Rapid Rehousing Project Success Story Jimmy McClain’s story is like so many struggling with addiction… dysfunctional home as a kid, poor choices, bouncing around from home to home and being homeless, all leading to a tough existence. “Growing up in a house of alcoholics, by the time I was 10 years old, I had to raise myself.” He explained to me that this caused him to “take the easy way out, using drugs at an early age, not knowing the choices I was making was setting me up for misery later on.” But his determination, along with help and guidance from the Accountability Court program, is creating a new story for him. Earlier this summer I was able to interview Jimmy, and his boss, about the new path he’s forging for himself and how he pulled himself out of what he called “under rock bottom.” In 2020 Jimmy found himself in legal trouble and was interviewed for drug court. While he knew the program would help him, he went a bit “AWOL” at the beginning and found himself in legal trouble again when he was pulled over. He did receive a reprimand from the program, but was also given a second chance, which led to a true dedication to his recovery. He reflected on that moment with me, saying that when he looked at himself in the mirror, the look on his face, one of disgust with himself, caused him “to fall on his knees, never having felt closer to God, that moment changed [his] life forever.” Now in Phase 5 of Accountability Court, he feels that his life has purpose now, something he never had before. That it’s taught him to trust the process, but even more so, learning what trust is. Being one of the first recipients in Drug Court of the Rapid Rehousing program, Jimmy is also in in a safe home now. It’s the first time he’s had a lease in his own name after having “spent the majority of [his] life on the other side of the tracks.” He talked to me about how important it’s been to now have a home where he can “lay down at night and feel safe…to be independent for the first time, a dream he had as a kid.” The day Ms. Reeves, one of our program managers, approached Jimmy about Rapid Rehousing, he “broke down in tears” at the possibility. He shared pictures of his new place with me, doing a walkthrough on his phone, chatting me with me about how he planned to furnish it. He’s also realized that part of his purpose is to help other addicts get on the other side of those tracks as he has. Besides being dedicated to the Accountability Court program and working a regular job, he’s a Peer Ambassador and received his CARES certification, he's also enrolled in a Certified Peer Counselor program. He really wants to work with the younger population, explaining that part of the reason is that “youth are not aware of the road they may be heading down…the things I had to do in my addiction, the dark places I had to go…I don’t want to see them do the same.” He feels if he can tell his story, it might make a difference. 5 | Page

I was excited to speak with Jimmy’s boss, who took time out of his busy day to day to talk with me about the changes he’d seen in him. Kevin owns a local business that has some previous experience with hiring someone trying but needing a leg up. He had been employing a woman who was homeless and in addiction recovery, which is how he came to meet Jimmy. Kevin said that the “first time I spoke to him, I saw something in him”, and when Jimmy was accepted into the program, he called Kevin about finding a better job and work environment than the one he had at the time. He readily told me that “Jimmy exceeded all my expectations; he’s received a raise and moved to a manager position. To see the transformation he’s gone through, I don’t know if I could have done what Jimmy has done in the last year and a half.” Calling Jimmy’s perseverance “grit”, explaining to me later that he believes that grit, “you either have it or you don’t.” At one point, before Jimmy received Rapid Rehousing, Kevin even let Jimmy lease an apartment he had at the back of his house, after talking it over with his family. Kevin told me he doesn’t think Drug Court is easy for participants, and it’s not easy for their employers, but he’s wants to see Jimmy succeed. He’s obviously committed to being a part of making that happen. As I look over the end of my notes from this interview, I notice my own personal notes jotted down at the bottom. See, as I was finishing up this interview, I received a phone call that my own brother was being transported to the hospital from the facility he’s incarcerated in for a suspected overdose. I reflected on the ways our lives intersect with others in ways we don’t always expect and realize that none of us are immune from the impact addiction plays in so many lives. And so, Jimmy’s story reflects the story that so many have, and he shows us that each day, we are given the opportunity to make better decisions, and while resources do exist to help, it comes down to the individual choices someone makes so that they can participate in their own rescue. We wish Mr. McClain, and all the participants past and present in our Accountability Court programs, the very best as they map out a more fulfilling, healthy, and better future for themselves. Submitted by John Collins, Fulton County Accountability Court Director; Interview by Sabrina Wells, Management Policy Analyst IV, Fulton County Superior Court Administration CACJ Newsletter | August 2023 6 | Page

Model Courts Feature The goal of Georgia’s Accountability Court Model Court program is to recognize the great work of accountability courts across the state, as well as identify strong programs that may serve as mentors for other courts. Programs identified as Model Courts are those that have met and exceeded adherence to Georgia’s Standards as dictated by strong performance on certification and peer review processes. To recognize the talent and expertise of the accountability court community, each month CACJ will recognize a model court or two and their work in the substance use and mental health fields. Cherokee Judicial Circuit Drug Court Model Drug Court (2023-2026) Cherokee Judicial Circuit Drug Court Team Members Judge: Honorable D. Scott Smith Coordinator: Melissa Johnson Treatment Services Director: Jackie White Treatment: Monica Brown Case Manager: Bridgette Huffman Public Defender: PJ Hemmann Assistant District Attorney: Austin Waldo Surveillance Officers: Ushonda Wells & Vaughn Holcomb (Bartow County Sheriff’s Department), Thomas Robertson & Lauren Hutchinson (DCS) Court Name: Cherokee Judicial Circuit Drug Court Presiding Judge: The Honorable D. Scott Smith has presided over the program for 15 years. Coordinator: Melissa Johnson has been the coordinator for 15 years. CACJ Newsletter | August 2023 7 | Page

Program Inception Date: July 18, 2008 Number of Graduates to Date: 369 Current Program Census: 61 Recidivism Rate: 12% Innovative Practices/Unique Programming: Ms. Johnson: “Established an Intensive Aftercare program for those who had difficulties with relapsing after graduation and/or regular aftercare” Why does the judge choose to preside over the accountability court? What does he hope to accomplish as a model court? Judge Smith: “I preside over this Court because I believe it is one of the most successful ways to help people with recovery and to turn their lives around. It is great to see participants put their lives back together. As a model court, I hope to continue to improve our court and to help others with the lessons that I have learned in our 15 years’ existence.” What is the coordinator most proud of in terms of the program’s success? What does he/she hope to accomplish as a model court? Ms. Johnson: “I look at our success on both ends of the program, which is our staff and our participants. I am most proud of the commitment of our team to continue to improve and learn new ways to provide the best treatment and resources for our participants. I have seen my team members go above and beyond to help participants in every way that they can. Our team is dedicated to the success of our participants each and every day. I am extremely proud of the 15 years of success stories of our graduates. Our participants work very hard on their recovery and to making a better life for themselves and their families. Their success is our success. I hope that as a model court we can provide insight and ideas that other programs may not be aware of or utilizing in their courts. I also firmly believe that we learn just as much from each and every court that we have spoken to. There is not one perfect way to operate an accountability court, and each court has its own special quality that makes them unique.” What is something you wish you knew at program inception that you hope to impart to newer courts? Ms. Johnson: “That change is sometimes necessary. I believe that we have learned over the years that you have to adapt to the population that you are serving. It is okay to make changes to your program even if it’s a difficult process. As long as it benefits your participants, you should at least try to implement new ideas and policies that some people may not understand or agree with.” Anything else you wish to include? Judge Smith: “Creating and presiding over this Court has been the greatest and most fulfilling experience of my legal career.” CACJ Newsletter | August 2023 8 | Page

Social Media Spotlight The Council of Accountability Court Judges (CACJ) is proud to announce the launch of our first and official social media page on LinkedIn. Check out the July features: Star Award Winner (Director/Coordinator): Jennifer Fabbri of the Southern Judicial Circuit Accountability Courts Judges Corner: The Honorable Charles E. Auslander, III of the Athens- Clarke County State Court FY24 CACJ Training Calendar CACJ is pleased to release the FY24 training calendar. This calendar includes trainings sponsored by CACJ July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024. Please note the specific training dates, events, and locations are subject to change. Specific details (who is eligible to attend, registration dates, prerequisites, and required documents) for each training are in the downloadable version of training calendar on the CACJ website at the bottom right of the webpage. CACJ Seeks Experienced Trainers to Participate in Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI™) Trainer Training Program for Accountability Courts Application deadline: August 31, 2023 CACJ is now soliciting applications from experienced trainers (individuals) who are interested in developing their skills to train new users to administer the LS/CMI tool. The program aims to assist CACJ in becoming self-sufficient in the administration of the tool and the onboarding of new accountability court staff. Selected applicants will learn to facilitate the training via a virtual Train-for-Trainer (T4T) event and subsequently deliver the training program in their local jurisdictions. The CACJ is offering this event at no cost to experienced trainers who successfully complete the application process. Interested team members should contact Kimberly Howard with questions. The FY24 Court Information Packet is Available The FY24 Court Information Packet is available for download. This publication contains a summary of the important dates for FY24 from July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024. A link to publication is on the CACJ website here: https://cacj.georgia.gov/resources CACJ Newsletter | August 2023 9 | Page

September 2023 Newsletter Submissions Please send submissions for the September 2023 newsletter to Debbie Mott ([email protected]) by Monday, August 28. If you plan to include a photo where participants can be identified, please be sure to send a signed photo consent with your submission. Georgia Accountability Courts Career Opportunities Please see the Career Opportunities tab (under About Us) on the CACJ website for information about these job postings: *Alcovy Circuit Clinical Case Manager *Athens-Clarke County Contract Services Clinician *Brunswick Circuit Drug Court Contract Clinician *Cherokee County Drug Court Case Manager *Cobb County Mental Health Court Case Manager *Conasauga Judicial Circuit MHC Treatment Provider *DeKalb County Admin Specialist/Bi-Lingual Case Mgr. *DeKalb County Wellness Court Counselor *DeKalb County Clinical Coordinator *Fayette County Case Manager *Floyd County Contract Treatment Provider *Forsyth County Contract Counselors *Fulton County DUI Court Assoc. Licensed Clinician *Fulton County Behavioral Health Clinician II *Glynn County Lead Clinical Director *Griffin Circuit Contract Counselors *Hall County Treatment Services Clinical Director *Hamilton County, TN Recovery Court Clinician *Henry County Case Manager *Henry County Behavioral Health Clinician *Pickens County FTC Program Coordinator *Pickens County VTC Case Manager (Part-time) *Towaliga Circuit MHC & VTC Coordinator 2023 CACJ Annual Training Conference CACJ is excited to gather with the accountability court community and return to Athens for the 2023 Annual Training Conference. Overview The CACJ 2023 Annual Training Conference will feature over 55 training sessions in different subject tracks presented by nationally recognized speakers, partner agencies, and accountability court professionals. CACJ has a full line-up of 30+ vendors offering services to your accountability court that attendees can connect with. Logistics The CACJ 2023 Annual Training Conference will be an in-person only event. State-funded accountability courts received funding in the program’s FY24 Operating Grant Award to support conference attendance. Registration Registration for the conference opened on Monday, June 12, 2023 and will end August 18,, 2023. Accountability Court Coordinators are the point of contact to register team members for the conference. Registration is considered completed when a confirmation email is received from the event management system. If there are questions about your registration status or you experience technical difficulties, please email Christina Frazier at [email protected] for assistance. A summary of conference FAQs is found here. CACJ Newsletter | August 2023 10 | P a g e

What’s New for the 2023 Conference Conference Transportation During the conference, an optional and free shuttle service will be available to transport attendees from select hotels in Athens to the Classic Center on Monday and Tuesday. This service will help reduce traffic snarls and parking woes during the event. Please help CACJ plan accordingly for this service by indicating if you or anyone from your team would like to utilize this service. Complete the sign-up form by Monday August 7: https://cacj.formstack.com/forms/cacj_2023_conference_shuttle_transportation Attendees that choose to drive to the Classic Center and use the Classic Center parking deck will have access to parking ticket validation. Most Popular Sessions Monday, September 11, 2023 • Beyond Incentives and Sanctions: Effective Tools for Long Term Behavior Change • What Works and Doesn’t Work in Reducing Recidivism • Beyond Trauma-Informed: Becoming a Trauma-Responsive Court • Best Practices in Serving Female Drug Court Participants Tuesday, September 12, 2023 • Ethics and Boundaries for Working with Persons with Substance Use Disorders • The 5 Cs - Enhancing Team Coordination and Collaboration • True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth • Co-Occurring Disorders: Expanding your Court’s Treatment Options Wednesday, October 12, 2022 • Emerging Drug Threats • Due Process in Sanctioning: A Nuts-and-Bolts Perspective from the Bench CACJ Newsletter | August 2023 11 | P a g e