Pittsburg, KS — July 2024 — Crawford County Mental Health Center (CCMHC), in partnership with the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC-SEK), Labette Center for Mental Health, Spring River Mental Health, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department, and the 11th Judicial District, has officially launched a pilot Recovery Court program aimed at helping individuals struggling with substance use disorders (SUD) find a path to long-term recovery.
Recovery Court is a type of specialty court that serves as an alternative to incarceration, providing participants with access to treatment, accountability, and structured support. The program is designed to reduce recidivism and promote wellness by addressing the root causes of addiction.
To encourage positive behavioral change, CCMHC and its partner agencies created a tiered incentive system as part of the Milestone Marvels: Recovery Court Incentives project. The program is funded through a generous grant from the Future Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK).
Verbal praise is a key component of the incentive system. It is often the most effective and immediate way to reinforce new behaviors, forming the foundation of the program’s approach. As participants progress, they become eligible for more tangible rewards, recognizing their hard work and commitment to recovery.
This evidence-based strategy is supported by national research. A study of 23 drug courts found significantly greater reductions in substance use and criminal behavior among programs that consistently used praise and incentives to motivate participants (Rossman et al., 2011).
The success of this initiative would not be possible without the support of CFSEK. The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas manages charitable funds established by donors who are passionate about giving back. Their grants provide critical resources to programs that improve the lives of individuals and families throughout the region.
CCMHC extends sincere gratitude to CFSEK for their investment in the health and well-being of our community.
For more information about the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas and its support of local initiatives, visit www.southeastkansas.org or call 620-231-8897.