Implementing a Recovery Capital Model Into Therapeutic Courts: Case Study and Lessons Learned

Area of Science:

• Addiction research
• Criminal justice
• Psychology

Background:

• Recovery capital is a strengths-based model for recovery and desistance.
• Individuals in the justice system face barriers to accessing recovery programs.
• Community-based programs can provide essential scaffolding for recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot the REC-CAP system in two drug treatment courts.
• To evaluate the implementation process and staff engagement with REC-CAP.
• To assess the utility of REC-CAP in measuring and planning for client recovery.

Main Methods:

• Pilot evaluation of the REC-CAP system.
• Surveys and focus groups with drug court staff.
• Description of the REC-CAP implementation process.

Main Results:

• Trainings on REC-CAP were perceived as useful by court staff.
• Court staff meaningfully engaged with the REC-CAP system.
• REC-CAP provided valuable insights into client strengths and barriers, informing next steps.

Conclusions:

• The REC-CAP system shows promise for enhancing recovery support in drug treatment courts.
• Further research should examine REC-CAP score changes and system-level integration for probation officers.