On Friday, June 12, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County hosted a Recovery Support Court graduation ceremony at the Edmund D. Edelman’s Children’s Court to recognize participants who have successfully completed the program after working to address substance abuse and stabilize their lives.
Recovery Support Court is designed to help parents involved in the Dependency Court system whose drug or alcohol abuse contributed to child welfare involvement. Through court-supervised treatment, ongoing judicial oversight and collaboration with Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services social workers and treatment providers, the program supports participants as they work toward recovery, family stability and reunification with their children.
B-Roll: June 12 Event: Superior Court of Los Angeles County Marks 20 Years of Recovery Support Court with 2026 Graduation Ceremony
Designed as a voluntary program for parents and adults involved in the child welfare system with significant drug and alcohol use, the Recovery Support Court graduation honored 22 graduates who have successfully participated in the voluntary, court-supervised program designed to provide services and support for recovery.
“Recovery Support Court reflects the Court’s commitment to addressing the root causes that bring families into the child welfare system while promoting lasting recovery, stability, and family well-being,” said Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II. “Today’s graduates have demonstrated remarkable resilience, accountability, and perseverance throughout their recovery journeys. We commend their hard work and dedication and celebrate the meaningful progress they made for themselves, their children, and their families.”
Graduation from Recovery Support Court marks a significant milestone. Participants must complete an individualized treatment plan that may include substance abuse counseling, random drug testing, mental health services and family support programs. Participants also must demonstrate sustained recovery and no longer meet medical necessity for treatment, as determined by their provider, while consistently complying with court requirements.
Graduation recognizes a participant’s commitment to recovery and program compliance, while dependency proceedings continue to focus on the safety, well-being and long-term stability of the family.
“Recovery Support Court is built on the belief that recovery is possible and that families can achieve greater stability with the right support and accountability,” said Juvenile Court Presiding Judge Akemi Arakaki. “Today’s graduates have shown extraordinary perseverance throughout their recovery journeys, and this ceremony recognizes the dedication and hard work it took to reach this milestone.”
The graduation ceremony marks the 20th anniversary of Recovery Support Court, marking two decades of integrating treatment, accountability and judicial oversight to support recovery and improve outcomes for families.
"At the heart of our work is a simple belief: Children do best when they can safely be with their families,” said Brandon T. Nichols, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. “Today’s graduates remind us of the deep devotion parents have for their children and the strength that emerges when people are given compassion, encouragement, and a path forward. Recovery is rarely a straight line, but we see time and again what becomes possible when parents are met with understanding, treated with dignity, and partnered with people who believe in their capacity to heal and to grow."
Recovery Support Court was established in 2006 as part of the Court’s Collaborative Justice Courts to address the underlying issues that contribute to involvement in the child welfare system. The program relies on collaboration with key justice partners, including the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, County Counsel, parent and child attorneys, and community-based treatment providers. |
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