Celebrating National Treatment Court Month: Transforming Lives Through Accountability and Recovery

“This month, we honor the life-changing impact of our Accountability Courts.  Every graduate is a testament to the power of accountability, compassion, and second chances.  These programs save lives, reunite families, restore careers, and deliver real savings to our community – justice with hope at its core” – Judge Jason B. Thompson

May marks National Treatment Court Month, a time to honor the innovative and effective programs that have reshaped the justice system by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, substance use and mental health disorders. Treatment courts offer individuals a path to recovery and reintegration into society. In Georgia, the Council of Accountability Court Judges (CACJ) leads the state’s efforts in promoting and enhancing these specialized courts.

As of Fiscal Year 2024, Georgia boasts 189 certified accountability court programs, serving 8,307 participants statewide. These courts have demonstrated significant success, with 1,814 individuals graduating in the past year and a 92% negative drug test rate among participants. 

The economic benefits of these programs are substantial. An analysis of 1,592 adult accountability court graduates in Fiscal Year 2022 estimated that accountability courts generated $41.3 million in economic benefits to Georgia. In Fayette County, each graduate produces approximately $22,129 in economic benefits, while the program saves the county roughly $5,000 per participant in traditional court and incarceration costs.

In honor of this national celebration, the Fayette County DUI/Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court under the Honorable Judge Jason B. Thompson proudly highlights its local efforts to combat addiction through a model rooted in accountability, treatment, and community collaboration.

Participants in the Fayette County program may earn valuable incentives upon successful compliance with court and treatment requirements, including up to 40% reduction in court-ordered fines, reduced jail time, reduced community service hours, and driver’s license reinstatement, when eligible. Additionally, participants gain the skills and support necessary to achieve and maintain sobriety. Through structured treatment, counseling, accountability, and ongoing case management, the program equips individuals with practical strategies and a supportive network to sustain long-term recovery and make positive life changes.

During National Treatment Court Month, Fayette County joins communities across the U.S. in advocating for the continued federal and state funding that makes these evidence-based programs possible.

For more information about the Fayette County Accountability Court or to learn how to support the program, please contact Jourdan Crawford, Accountability Court Coordinator, at 770-716-4328 or [email protected] or visit www.factinc.org.