Monmouth Vicinage to Hold Recovery Court Graduation Ceremony

The Monmouth Vicinage will conduct its 37th recovery court graduation ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 9:30 a.m. to recognize nine participants for advancing through the phases of recovery court and satisfying the significant requirements of the program. 

“Our vicinage remains committed to making a difference in the lives of our recovery court participants, and we continue to celebrate their success. Their strength serves as an inspiration, and we look forward to the positive impact that they will have on others and our community,” Assignment Judge Lisa P. Thornton said.

The Judiciary’s recovery court program operates within the Superior Court to address non-violent drug-related cases. The rigorous program requires completion of four or five phases of intensive drug and alcohol treatment that includes intensive probation supervision, frequent drug testing, and virtual court appearances.  

“Monmouth’s recovery court presents participants with the opportunity to address their substance abuse issues while simultaneously rehabilitating their criminal behavior. Although rigorous, participants benefit from the extensive services the program offers, including employment opportunities, educational placements, and therapeutic sessions. These graduates held fast to their recovery during unprecedented times and continued to be examples to their fellow participants,” said Superior Court Judge Paul X. Escandon, the vicinage’s recovery court judge.

The number of recovery court participants in Monmouth County has grown steadily since the program’s inception more than 20 years ago.  The vicinage’s recovery court program has 218 participants and 681 graduates.

For more information regarding recovery court or the graduation ceremony, contact Monmouth Vicinage Recovery Court Coordinator Melissa Garrett at 732-358-8700, ext. 87445.