March 7, 2025, Castle Rock, Colo.– On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, four participants will be recognized for completing the 23^rd Judicial District Recovery “Drug” Court program. The graduation is set for 1:30 p.m. at the Robert A. Christensen Justice Center in Castle Rock, 4000 Justice Way, in Division B.

The 23^rd Judicial District Recovery “Drug” Court was initiated in January 2025 as the latest Drug Problem-Solving Court in Colorado. Participants were transferred from the 18th Judicial District, and their cases originated in Douglas, Elbert, or Lincoln counties.

The Recovery “Drug” Court is a rigorous problem-solving treatment court designed for individuals who have encountered the criminal justice system as a result of substance use. The drug court team becomes deeply involved in each participant's life, forming strong relationships and providing support, encouragement, and accountability. Drug courts are cost-effective, reduce recidivism, and create healthier communities. 

Douglas County District Court Judge Andrew Baum will be presiding over the graduation.

“This court promotes accountability and community safety while also allowing for true change and redemption,” said Judge Andrew Baum, who conducts performance reviews for the Recovery “Drug” Courts. “I am so proud of our graduates and look forward to celebrating this milestone on their road to recovery.”

Since the program's start in 2025, the 23^rd Judicial District Recovery “Drug” Court has been modeled after evidence-based problem-solving drug courts, which have proven effective in handling criminal cases. The substantive goal is to divert non-violent, substance-abusing felony offenders into a comprehensive, judicially supervised program of urinalysis monitoring and case management, to include referral and follow-up with employment, educational, and other self-improvement goals. 

The media are invited to attend. The use of cameras must be approved in advance, and all people being photographed must give their consent to be photographed. Please contact Melissa Everts, Problem Solving Court Coordinator II, at 720-437-6178 if you want to bring a camera or for more information. 

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