Mary Covington Brings 19 Years of Specialty Court Experience to Justice Forward

After 19 years of working in the Specialty Courts of Harris County, I turned in my key and badge on August 12th. It was a bittersweet moment, but one filled with gratitude and excitement. Gratitude for those who walked along side me the last 19 years and for all the lives changed through Specialty Courts. Excitement for the opportunity to continue to do what I love as the Program Manager for Justice Forward.

When I started my Specialty Court journey in 2003, I had no idea where it would take me. What started as two drug court dockets quickly became four dockets. In 2009, I was fortunate to help bring the first Veterans’ Treatment Court to Texas. Over the years I met some of the most determined and courageous people I will ever know. Many of them I now consider friends. I have served with the most dedicated and compassionate professionals in the field.

It wasn’t always easy. Pulling programs, staff, and participants through two hurricanes and a pandemic was rough. Losing participants and graduates to overdoses and suicide was heartbreaking. Thankfully there were many more accomplishments to celebrate then tragedies to mourn.

Specialty Courts have changed along the way: utilizing evidence-based treatment curriculum to improve outcomes, accepting Medication for Opioid Use Disorder as a lifesaving compliment to treatment and recognizing that if not addressed, trauma will prohibit long-term recovery. Even the language we use has changed. Using person first language has started to change the bias and stigma often associated with substance use disorder and encourages and celebrates recovery.



Justice Forward has changed, too. What started as an all-volunteer board of the Harris County Drug Court Foundation, supporting only the STAR Drug Court, is now a working board with an executive director and small staff serving Specialty Courts in multiple counties.

As I start this new journey, I look forward to bringing programs and services that will enhance the Specialty Courts in not only Harris County but across the region. Working alongside professionals who share my passion and a board who supports the mission is the opportunity of a lifetime. Drug Court changed my life, and I am beyond thankful to continue the work I love with Justice Forward.