Chesterfield County has implemented a series of court and jail-based programs aimed at supporting individuals with substance use disorders, offering alternatives to traditional incarceration. The county’s approach emphasizes treatment, structure, and accountability for those affected by addiction.
The Recovery Court, established in 2000, provides an alternative sentencing option for adults charged with nonviolent felonies who have substance use disorders. Participants undergo a 14-month program that includes frequent drug screenings, therapy sessions, family counseling, and requirements related to employment or education. Advancement through the program is based on meeting specific goals within a five-phase treatment plan. Successful completion can result in reduced or dismissed charges, while failure leads to standard sentencing.
Another initiative is the Veteran Treatment Docket, which began as a pilot program in December 2023. This program targets veterans involved in the criminal justice system who may face challenges such as post-traumatic stress and difficulties adjusting to civilian life. The docket features a five-phase plan with regular drug testing, court appearances, and therapeutic services coordinated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Chesterfield’s Mental Health Support Services Department. Veteran mentors play a key role by providing guidance from peers with similar experiences.
Chesterfield’s Community Corrections Services department also supports recovery efforts by supervising adults on probation or awaiting trial. Programs like the Center for Risk Reduction (CORR) and Dual Treatment Track (DTT) offer evidence-based interventions for individuals assessed as moderate to high risk and those struggling with both mental illness and substance use disorders. These initiatives utilize therapies such as Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), outpatient counseling, cognitive behavioral groups, and regular drug testing.
CORR serves individuals who meet criteria including nonviolent offenses and verifiable housing needs; its services are self-paced over six to eight months. DTT focuses on people diagnosed with major mental illness alongside substance use disorder, requiring structured group attendance three times weekly along with psychiatric appointments.
According to the release: “It’s not just a crime or a public health issue; it’s a person needing support to recover.”
The county’s programs reflect an understanding that effective recovery involves more than punishment alone. Structured supervision combined with targeted treatment aims to help participants fulfill legal obligations while building skills necessary for long-term sobriety.
“With these resources in place, courts are not just places of judicial process but pathways to hope and healing. For individuals struggling with substance use, these programs provide the opportunity to move forward, make amends, and regain control over their lives.”
