Judge Cedric Kerns: Pioneering a New Path for Young Offenders with Addiction
The whole idea is to understand that if people would advocate the same for someone who lost- and you know what it's crazy- the reason why is we all know why they died on October 1st, right, they were shot.
What happens when a judge decides to tackle addiction head-on within the courtroom? Meet Judge Cedric A. Kerns, the visionary behind the Young Offender Court (YO Court). In this episode of the 'Recover Everything' podcast, Judge Kerns shares his journey in creating a specialized court aimed at helping young offenders aged 18 to 24 who are grappling with addiction.
This isn’t your typical courtroom scenario; the YO Court is a game-changer, focusing on rehabilitation through individualized treatment plans and family involvement. Judge Kerns dives into the nuts and bolts of how the court operates, emphasizing the importance of self-reporting in tailoring treatment to each person’s unique needs. He also opens up about the legislative hurdles he faces and the misuse of contempt in the judicial system.
But it’s not all about the challenges; Judge Kerns passionately discusses the concept of 'natural highs' and their role in addiction recovery. He’s a firm believer in advocating for recovery, not just punishment. The conversation takes a poignant turn as he reflects on the October 1st shooting and its profound impact on addiction recovery within his community.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in innovative approaches to addiction recovery and the transformative power of compassion within the justice system.