FEATURE
Berks County Treatment Courts A Bridge to Recovery By Judge M. Theresa Johnson, Berks County Court of Common Pleas
What does the word opportunity mean to you? Merriam-Webster defines opportunity as follows: 1: a favorable juncture of circumstances 2: a good chance for advancement or progress https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opportunity
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he Berks County Treatment Court Programs, which include Drug, DUI, Mental Health and Veterans Courts, provide the true definition of opportunity for their participants. The treatment court programs are administered through a collaborative effort between the Berks County Courts, Adult Probation, District Attorney’s Office, Public Defenders Office, Council on Chemical Abuse, Berks Counseling Center, Pennsylvania Counseling Services, Reading YMCA, Berks Connections/Pre-Trial Services and New Directions Treatment Services. Individuals who have found themselves involved in the criminal justice system, because of a substance use disorder, may apply to participate in the Treatment Court programs. However, not all individuals are accepted, as the opportunity to participate is based on the current charge and the applicant’s criminal record. Prior to admission to Treatment Court, individuals complete an application and participate in a risk and needs assessment. The Risk and Needs Triage (RANT) helps to determine their appropriateness for Treatment Court and to begin to assess what services are necessary to help the individual succeed. In addition, the Probation Department administers the Ohio Risk Assessment System: Community Supervision Tool (ORASCST). This tool helps to assess the individual’s risk to reoffend, aids in determining their needs, and will help to identify
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THE RESPONSE // SUMMER 2022
any barriers that could impact their ability to be successful. Additional programming may be assigned based upon the individual’s needs. Those who are selected for the program are provided with an opportunity to receive services that may have been previously unavailable to them. The program consists of four phases and can take between 18-24 months depending on the individual. During this time individuals participate in group and individual counseling. They attend NA/AA or other supportive meetings. If necessary, they are assigned a Recovery Support Counselor. In addition, they may have the opportunity to participate in the R3 program through Berks Connections/Pre-Trial Services. This program provides cognitive therapy as well as job training skills and coordinates job opportunities for the graduates in the construction trade. For more information, please see www.berksconnections.org. Recently the Treatment Court programs paired with the Penn State Master Gardeners Program and the Opportunity House for the development of community garden beds. The program first began with five garden beds and has extended to twentythree beds that grow vegetables for the participants and the homeless. In 2019 the garden produced over 500 pounds of vegetables. In October 2020, The Penn State Master Gardeners Program received a David Gibby Search for Excellence Award in community service for their involvement. The award recognized the work of the Master Gardeners on a State level. For more information on the program and award please visit https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/ berks/news/2020/master-gardeners-of-berks-county-bestoweda-david-gibby-search-for-excellence-award.
