Recovery Court

For more information – contact the 1st Judicial District Recovery Court Coordinator:

John Feil

720-772-2685 or at john.feil@judicial.state.co.us

Recovery Court serves a population of justice involved individuals with substance dependency.  When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States and Colorado began stay at home orders our clients and their families were some of the most vulnerable. They live paycheck to paycheck with supplemental assistance through food stamps and housing just to get by. 

The courthouse closed to the public and Recovery Court had to stop having court reviews at the end of March 2020. When we realized we would not be returning to business as usual in May and beyond, we knew we had to figure out how to support our participants and their families during this high-risk time for relapse. We needed to keep them engaged, motivated, and connected to our program. 

Through the gracious donations from people like you to Court Support Jeffco, we were able to put together a plan. We bought groceries, hygiene items, and games to help with the boredom at home. We set up tables and carts full of items every Friday morning during May. 

We offered the opportunity to every participant to come and load up boxes of food, hygiene products, board games, art kits, yard games, exercise equipment, and diapers and wipes. During the month of May we had 19 families come to the courthouse and receive these items. 

Without the support and donations from Court Support Jeffco, we would not have been able to do this. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our participants and their families for thinking of them and helping during this time. 

During the 11 weeks we had not been able to have a court review, we only lost touch with 5 participants. This is our normal if not lower rate of absconding for our program.  Your donations allowed us to keep our participants engaged, motivated, and connected to our program. 

Recovery Court serves individuals involved in the criminal justice system due to chemical dependence, providing intensive treatment services and judicial oversight as an alternative to incarceration.

The 1st Judicial District Recovery Court is a 24 month intensive probation program supervising high-risk and high-need clients identified to have substance dependency issues.  Participants receive intensive supervision and treatment through a coordinated team response and expedited entry to services following sentencing. 

Frequent court appearances allow for immediate Court responses to violations such as missed services or drug use.  Prior to graduation from the Recovery Court program, clients will demonstrate sustained sobriety, stable housing and employment, and successful completion of substance abuse treatment.

The GOALS of the 1st Judicial District Recovery Court are to: