Addiction Prevention Coalition
Addiction Prevention Coalition
Restoring Dignity Through Drug Court: A Conversation with Judge Fortune
Restoring Dignity Through Drug Court: A Conversation with Judge Fortune
Restoring Dignity Through Drug Court: A Conversation with Judge Fortune
Thursday 1st August 2024
Judge Maria Fortune shares her experiences in Jefferson County Drug Court, focusing on restoring dignity and connecting participants with vital resources.
50 minutes
Compassionate
Supportive
Informative
Inspiring
Encouraging
About this podcast
Author:
Addiction Prevention Coalition
Overview:
Categories:
Family Recovery from Addiction
Recovery Reimagined
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Episodes:
41 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Judge Maria Fortune: Transforming Lives Through Jefferson County Drug Court
Episode Overview
- Judge Fortune’s compassionate approach focuses on understanding underlying issues.
- Family involvement is crucial for successful recovery.
- Innovative measures like courthouse counsellors are being implemented.
- Thanksgiving luncheons help create a supportive environment.
- Participants are encouraged to see their inherent goodness and purpose.
I always tell them when they first plead into drug court that everybody has a purpose in life.
In this episode of APC Recovery Cafe, Judge Maria Fortune takes centre stage to share her experiences presiding over Jefferson County Drug Court. Growing up in Denver, Colorado, Judge Fortune always aspired to be in law, driven by a desire to address disparities in the criminal justice system. Now, as a Criminal District Court Judge, she’s making a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling with substance use disorders.
Judge Fortune's role is more than just applying the law; she focuses on understanding the underlying issues that lead people to her courtroom and connecting them with community resources they might not even know exist. Judge Fortune explains how she encourages participants to respect themselves and the court while recognising their inherent goodness. Her approach aims to restore dignity and instil hope, ensuring that participants see themselves as more than their mistakes.
The episode also highlights the importance of family support in the recovery process, with Judge Fortune advocating for families to be involved in court proceedings. The conversation is both enlightening and heartwarming, showcasing Judge Fortune’s dedication to helping individuals find their path to recovery. She discusses the innovative measures implemented in her court, such as having counsellors available in the courthouse and organising Thanksgiving luncheons for participants.
These initiatives aim to create a supportive environment that addresses not just legal issues but also emotional and psychological needs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding how drug courts can play a crucial role in recovery. Judge Fortune’s compassionate approach and commitment to community engagement offer valuable insights into the transformative power of justice done right. Tune in to hear how one judge is making a difference, one person at a time.