Courts We Serve
STAR DRUG COURT
STAR Drug Court
The Success Through Addiction Recovery (STAR) Drug Court is operated under the auspices of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department and has served Harris County for over 19 years. It is a program of treatment and rehabilitation through four individual, gender-specific courts and teams, monitored by a judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, probation officer, counselors, recovery coach as well as other support staff. Intensive supervision is the key of our four-phase intervention program for high-risk, non-violent offenders, which is a partnership between the criminal justice system and the alcohol/drug and mental health treatment communities.
STAR provides a variety of programs over the course of 18-24 months that support and help its clients maintain an alcohol- and drug-free lifestyle. Participation includes frequent court appearances, random alcohol and drug testing, and substance abuse counseling in individual and group sessions, all uniquely designed on a case-by-case basis. Once clients complete the first three phases and graduate, they remain on supervision and are expected to follow all Aftercare requirements through the Alumni Association. Clients are eligible for an early termination of supervision based on program compliance and performance during the Aftercare phase.
Program Needs
- Transitional and emergency housing to ensure program participants have a safe and stable place to stay that is supportive of mental health, sobriety and living a crime-free life.
- Valuable “incentives” or rewards for program participants who are making significant steps, big and small, towards their goals to improve their overall mental health, sobriety, well-being and success in the program.
- Access to targeted therapies to help heal and empower those affected by grief and trauma.
- Public transportation assistance to help participants overcome some of the basic barriers to access to care and court requirements.
- Alcohol monitoring devices to effectively monitor participants who are required to abstain from alcohol, limiting risks to the community and supporting successful program outcomes.
- Support group token/chips to acknowledge progress made towards recovery goals.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Justice Forward has been an important part of my recovery journey. While I was in the drug court program, they provided financial support for me to attend grief counseling after the tragic murder of my 13-year-old daughter. After graduating, they also funded my Peer Recovery Specialist training, which led to my current employment as a Recovery Coach. Because of their support and financial assistance, I have found peace and helped others on their own paths to recovery.
- Connie Taylor
Justice Forward has helped me tremendously in my recovery journey. I’m now able to be a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and great-aunt. I’m so grateful that I was able to get my life back on track without a recurrence of use. Justice Forward paid for my training as a peer support specialist. I have been drug-free for sixteen years and will celebrate my 17 years on April 23rd, 2025. What a joy it has been to give back to the community that gave me a new way of life.
- Jannica Smith
Justice Forward was my only real support system when I had none. They've paid for housing, treatment, therapy and most of all showed me that they truly care. I'm 3.5 years sober and wouldn't dream of letting them down by not paying it forward!
- James White
I'm so grateful to Justice Forward for their sincere assistance in helping me accomplish my dream of becoming a certified electrician. This opportunity allowed me to see something I never even knew about myself--that I can achieve anything if I wholeheartedly want it.
- Floyd Shorts
"Justice Forward has been instrumental in my journey, helping me achieve both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Their generous grants and encouragement have allowed me to grow personally and professionally. I’ve had the chance to share my story, speak at their events, and become a dedicated therapist in addiction medicine. Thanks to their support, I can now give back to the community and assist others on their healing journeys. I am truly grateful for their impact on my life."
- Monica Golla
