100818 - Adult Recovery Courts Substance Use Judicial Training
Overview
The Office of Addiction, Recovery and Wellness Supports at the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), in collaboration with the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, are excited to offer free comprehensive substance use training for recovery court judicial staff and team members. This specialized and comprehensive training has been designed to enhance the effectiveness of the critical work in the recovery court system. This training was developed to align with both treatment evidence-based practices and best standards outlined in the All Rise Adult Treatment Court Best Practice Standards, 2025 updates. Research consistently demonstrates that courts adhering to these best practices achieve significantly greater reductions in recidivism and substance use, ultimately improving outcomes for participants and communities.
Our training curriculum covers key areas informed by the latest scientific evidence on addiction, pharmacology, and behavioral health that promote long-term recovery and reduce recidivism. Such topics include Substance Use as a Chronic Medical Disease, Assessment and the Continuum of Care, Recovery Capital, Evidence-Based Behavioral Strategies; and Evidence Based Decision Making.
This training is offered five times at various locations throughout the state. The training is at no cost to participants with compensation for mileage travel to and from the training; however, hotel cost is not reimbursable. Therefore, it is highly recommended that each team chooses the training closest to their location. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Additionally, each team will receive a free textbook titled Substance Use in Society, a reference manual titled Recovery Court Bench Book: A Resource for Recovery Courts in Substance Use, and free access to an online digital learning course on substance use.
Each recovery court can send up to five members to attend one of the five training events.