Courts We Serve
CARE Court
CARE Court
The Creating Advocacy, Recovery & Empowerment (CARE) Court Program is in the 315th Juvenile District Court in Harris County, Texas. The program was developed in order to address the unique needs of youth who have been exploited in commercial sex trafficking. Previously known as GIRL’s Court, the program now includes male and transgender youth.
CARE Court uses a clinically driven, multidisciplinary team to address the underlying trauma associated with at-risk behaviors and related delinquent conduct. In addition to involvement in sex trafficking, most youth have a number of challenges including a history of abuse and trauma, mental health and substance abuse issues, educational and vocational needs, medical needs and significant family dysfunction, all addressed in each youth’s treatment plan utilizing a comprehensive, strength-based approach. CARE Court is conducted in a closed courtroom to provide a more respectful and trauma-informed experience. Participants and their family are seen individually to assure utmost confidentiality. CARE Court provides an opportunity for each participant to develop the skills necessary to change the trajectory of their lives and 80% graduate from the program successfully!
Program Needs
- Personalized “incentives” or rewards for juveniles who are making significant steps, big and small, towards their goals to improve their overall mental health, well-being, sobriety and success in the program.
- Access to targeted therapies to help heal and empower those affected by grief and trauma.
- Access to specialized treatment such as family therapy and evidence-based treatment such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy.
- Emergency housing to ensure juveniles have a temporary safe and stable place to stay that is supportive of mental health, sobriety and living a crime-free life.
- Public transportation and ride-share program assistance to help juveniles overcome some of the basic barriers to access to care and court requirements.
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
