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Last month during the Board of Supervisors meeting, Judge Joel Cunningham spoke about a project he’s trying to get off the ground, a recovery housing project for drug addicts looking to get back on their feet and kick their habit. The idea would be setting this up as an alternative to regular jail, especially for first time offenders with no criminal history. Now a second project, one that might go hand in hand, is also being examined in the region, with multiple counties considering taking part. Cunningham’s project is a recovery house. This would be a recovery court. 

As mentioned, Cunningham’s project involves an actual property, one set up in Halifax County on a 50-acre lot, with 100 beds to begin. But offenders would have to be sentenced there and regular court isn’t always the best option to do that. 

A Different Approach

Beth Reavis, a former director of social services and expert in establishing recovery courts, has played a crucial role in setting up the process. With experience in Warren and Shenandoah counties, Beth understands the complexities of launching such programs, from coalition building to Supreme Court of Virginia approval. 

“Recovery courts aren’t just about keeping people out of jail,” Reavis explained. “They’re about giving people the tools they need to rebuild their lives while addressing the root causes of their struggles.” 

Unlike traditional courts, recovery courts focus on long-term treatment and supervision. Participants convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, who choose the recovery court option, commit to an 18 to 24 month program that combines judicial oversight with therapy, addiction treatment, and support services. This approach is particularly crucial for those battling methamphetamine addiction, a predominant drug issue state-wide, which requires sustained, active intervention. Without the proper treatment to face addiction, many individuals fall into a cycle of relapse and recidivism, repeatedly returning to the jail system. 

Recovery Court fills gaps

One of the biggest challenges in rural areas like Charlotte is the lack of available treatment services. That’s where the recovery housing could potentially tie-in. Reavis highlighted that many local providers are already overwhelmed with the workload in the system, making it difficult for individuals to access the care they need. However, a grant from the opioid abatement authority has allowed officials to conduct a “gaps analysis” helping to identify critical service shortages in Virginia and directing resources where they are needed most. 

“A recovery court isn’t effective unless people can actually get the treatment they need,” Reavis said. “We have to make sure there’s a system in place that can support them, from therapy to housing assistance.” 

Win for Community and Taxpayer

Beyond the benefits to individuals battling addiction, recovery courts also have a significant economic impact. Traditional court cases cost around $1,000 each, not including incarceration expenses. In contrast, recovery courts reduce long-term costs by lowering recidivism rates and decreasing the need for emergency services. 

“We are not just saving lives, we’re saving taxpayer dollars. This is a program that pays for itself over and over,” Reavis emphasized. “When people get the right help, they stay out of the system, they become productive members of their community, and that benefits everyone.” 

By fostering rehabilitation over incarceration, recovery courts help mend relationships within families and communities, ultimately offering individuals a second chance while also strengthening the social fabric of the region. 

Next steps for Recovery Court

With plans to expand services within the health district, Reavis and other advocates hope to see recovery courts become a standard part of the judicial process in Virginia. She sees this initiative representing not just a shift in policy, but a shift in perspective– one that acknowledges addiction as a public health issue rather than a solely criminal one. 

“This is about changing lives. W hen we approach addiction differently, we create real lasting change, not just for individuals but for entire communities,” Reavis said. 

As this recovery court moves forward, the hope is that this program will serve as a model for other regions looking to break the cycle of addiction and incarceration. 

Editor’s note: Abby Dowdy wrote this story for the Charlotte Gazette.