HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Ottawa County’s 20th Circuit Court’s recovery court — also called drug court — is again getting national recognition.
Ottawa’s specialty justice program for non-violent felony offenders with acute substance use disorders is now one of eight “mentor courts” announced by the United States Department of Justice and the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) for 2020-2022.
“This distinction is awarded to high-performing courts that demonstrate exemplary practices and operate with fidelity to the drug court model,” said Anne Caron, NADCP Adult Technical Assistance Project Director.
“There are over 3,200 drug courts in operation across the United States, so to have been selected for this honor really speaks to the quality of work we are doing,” said Honorable Mark A. Feyen, Recovery Court Judge. “Even more affirming is that this award comes on the heels of having been recognized as a national mentor court from 2017-2019,” said Feyen.
A Grand Valley State University conducted in 2014 indicates adult drug treatment court significantly reduces new crime and repeated drug and alcohol use among high risk and high need offenders. Notably, drug court participants were 73 percent less likely to commit a new crime within three years of discharge from the drug court when compared to a similar group of people who were sentenced to traditional probation.
“As a mentor court we will continue to host and provide technical assistance to other drug court programs from around the United States, and participate in national planning and policy initiatives,” said Recovery Court Coordinator Andy Brown.
“We are very proud of what we are doing and this is an outstanding opportunity to showcase the work of our program and advance the reputation of Ottawa County and the 20th Circuit Court,” said Emily Achterhof, Case Manager for the Recovery Court.
The recovery court is solely funded by time-limited grants annually awarded by the Michigan Supreme Court, Department of Justice, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
For additional information about the recovery court please contact Andy Brown, Recovery Court Coordinator, at 616-846-8352.
