Essex Vicinage to Hold Recovery Court Graduation

The Essex Vicinage will hold its recovery court graduation ceremony at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14, Assignment Judge Sheila Venable announced today.

The event, the program’s sixth virtual ceremony, will honor 13 participants who have maintained recovery from drugs and alcohol. Graduates consist of early graduates who have successfully completed the program sooner than the prescribed time, They will attend in person. 

Superior Court Judge Thomas A. Callahan, the vicinage’s recovery court judge, will preside.  Graduates will share their experiences of strength and hope. Dawud M., a recovery court graduate, will give the keynote address. 

The day not only acknowledges the graduates’ accomplishments but also recognizes the beginning of their journey.  Families, friends, and loved ones will be able to support their graduate virtually. Current recovery court participants will participate virtually.  

The Judiciary’s recovery court program operates within the Superior Court to address nonviolent drug-addicted offenders. The program requires completion of several phases of intensive drug and alcohol treatment and recovery. This level of supervision permits the program to support the recovery process but also allows the recovery court team to react quickly to impose appropriate therapeutic sanctions or to reinstate criminal proceedings when participants do not comply.

The vicinage’s recovery court program has more than 278 participants. Recovery court participants are expected to comply with all treatment recommendations, attend support meetings, gain employment, and demonstrate payment of fines. 

For more information, contact vicinage Recovery Court Coordinator Thomas Viola at 973-776-9300, ext. 56491.