May 16. 2025
VIROQUA, Wis. – Most people are not aware that Vernon County has a treatment court set up specifically for people dealing with substance use disorders. According to Vernon County Recovery Court Coordinator Emma Bader, treatment and recovery courts reduce crime, save lives and strengthen communities. Treatment court programs provide an effective alternative to incarceration that breaks the cycle of crime and addiction. Treatment courts utilize a team approach to provide participants with tools required to achieve and maintain recovery and lead productive, crime-free lives through the combination of accountability and rehabilitation.
Each day our courtrooms and justice system partners see a significant number of individuals impacted by substance use and mental health disorders. Without programs and treatment designed to identify and address underlying driving factors of criminal behavior, many will continue a cycle of arrest, incarceration, destruction, and justice-system involvement, causing a substantial burden on law enforcement, families, communities and at a tremendous cost to taxpayers. Treatment courts help to break this cycle through intensive supervision and evidence-based treatment, returning individuals healthier and more productive to our communities.
According to All Rise-the national treatment court training, membership and advocacy organization for improving justice system responses to substance use and mental health-approximately 4000 treatment courts across the nation are now considered the most successful justice intervention in our country’s history. “When one person, one family, one community rises, we all rise.”
May is designated as National Treatment Court Month, a nationwide celebration of lifesaving treatment courts. Approximately 65% of the U.S. prison population has substance use disorder, and another 20% were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of their crimes. The largest and most comprehensive multi-site study ever conducted on treatment courts found reductions in crime averaging 58% and savings of more than $6000 for each individual served. Additional benefits include improved education, employment, housing, financial stability and family reunification.
In celebration of National Treatment Court Month, the Vernon County Recovery Court Judge Timothy Gaskell will present a proclamation honoring Vernon County’s Recovery Court during the 3:00pm Recovery Court session.
For more information or referral forms, you cab contact emma.bader@vernoncountywi.gov or call 608-637-5390. Information is also available on the Vernon County website under departments>courts>programs: Recovery Court
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