Hi Ashley and Brit!
I’m writing today in regards to an episode I was just listening to and it’s ties to an organization I work with who is doing some amazing work in Wisconsin. I’m hoping to raise more awareness about what we do in Wisconsin, as well as what similar organizations do nationwide to improve public safety, changing the approach to working with people with substance use disorders and the criminal justice system, and changing public perception of what we are and what we do.
I was just listening to the January 24th, 2022 episode of Crime Junkie titled: SURVIVED: Chrystul Kizer and Cyntoia Brown. Not only does the case of Chrystul Kizer happen in the state of Wisconsin, where I am from, you also discuss why treatment courts couldn’t be used as an alternative for Cyntoia Brown in her case. For the last 7 years, I have worked as a Case Manager for an OWI (DUI) Treatment Court in Wisconsin, and have been involved with the Wisconsin Association of Treatment Court Professionals Board of Directors for the last 4 years. I have been able to see firsthand the amazing work that goes into establishing, maintaining, and working treatment courts, as well as the incredible work that participants put into these programs and changing their lives. Those that participate in Wisconsin treatment courts have reduced overdoses by 83%, and 4 out of 5 remain out of the justice system post-graduation. We have a variety of treatment courts from OWI to Drug Courts, Veterans Courts, Tribal Healing to Wellness Courts, Family Reunification Courts, Hybrid Courts, and Mental Health Courts. https://www.watcp.org/court-directory/ We are currently celebrating 30 years since the first treatment court was established in Dane County (Madison), and we have grown to over 100 courts in 65 of 72 counties.
The fact that you even brought up treatment courts in your podcast truly excited me from the minute I heard the words! Treatment Courts are changing lives and changing communities. And, while some people have the perception that these courts are a “get out of prison free card”, they are far from it. These programs are intensive, and include high level monitoring, including probation, case management, electronic monitoring, drug testing, court monitoring, intensive outpatient treatment, support meetings. By far, treatment court is the harder choice, prison is the easier choice; however, treatment court is the more rewarding one if the participant truly commits to the process.
Treatment court teams are a collaborative system of team members including Judges, Prosecutors, Defense Counsel, Law Enforcement, Treatment Providers, Probation, Case Managers/Coordinators, and sometimes Peer Support and prior program graduates. These are sometimes people who are typically across the table from each other, who are now working together to walk alongside participants to a life of recovery,
Recently, we have initiated a Graduate Scholarship Fund (2025) which provides $500 scholarships to graduates from Wisconsin Treatment Courts who are looking to pursue higher education or specialized training. Audiochuck and Crime Junkie has been a repeated donor to our Silent Auction that directly funds the Scholarship Fund, and Audiochuck recently made a cash donation to our General Fund, courtesy of Audiochuck’s Philanthropy Director. This support has been incredibly meaningful to WATCP, and myself truly as a big fan of Crime Junkie and Full Body Chills.
Wisconsin isn’t the only state who is looking at the Justice System and Substance Use differently. There are quite a few states within the USA that have treatment and/or problem-solving courts. All Rise (www.allrise.org) is the national organization and hub for treatment courts across the nation, and the biggest resource for best practices, standards, training, and news on treatment courts.
I would love to appeal to you to increase the conversation on treatment courts and using treatment courts as an alternative to incarceration for those with substance use disorders and are involved in the criminal justice system. The more people know, and the more people understand, the more support we can get for what we are doing. You have such a huge platform and a huge following, and I appreciate the level of investigation you do into any topic you discuss.
With much gratitude and appreciation for what you ladies do,
Amanda Parlow
President, Board of Directors
Wisconsin Association of Treatment Court Professionals