Chief Justice Newby Declares May Recovery Court Month

Paul Newby has proclaimed May 2026 as Recovery Court Month for the North Carolina Judicial Branch, recognizing treatment-based court programs while also drawing attention to gaps in access across parts of the state.

The designation aligns North Carolina with National Treatment Court Month, coordinated by All Rise, which promotes recovery courts as an evidence-based approach to addressing substance use and mental health disorders within the justice system.

All Rise, formerly the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP), is a national organization focused on strengthening treatment courts, which combine judicial oversight with treatment for individuals with substance use/mental health disorders. They offer training and advocacy for justice reform.

“For more than 30 years, recovery courts in North Carolina have helped individuals rebuild their lives and strengthen our communities,” Newby said in a statement. “This month, we recognize that impact and the dedicated professionals who help make recovery possible.”

Recovery courts — often referred to as drug treatment or behavioral health courts — provide structured, court-supervised programs that combine treatment, accountability and regular judicial oversight. Participants typically include individuals whose underlying substance use or mental health conditions contribute to their involvement in the criminal justice system.

Nationally, more than 4,200 recovery courts serve over 150,000 participants each year. Since their inception in 1989, the programs have reached more than 1.5 million people and are credited with saving billions in taxpayer dollars by reducing incarceration and repeat offenses.

In North Carolina, more than 80 recovery courts operate across dozens of counties, offering coordinated services such as treatment programs, frequent drug testing, case management and ongoing court monitoring.

But those programs are not evenly distributed.

Rutherford and McDowell counties are among the jurisdictions without recovery courts — a gap court officials say reflects practical constraints more than policy decisions.

According to the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts, launching and maintaining a recovery court requires a dedicated, multidisciplinary team that includes a judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, probation officers, treatment providers and case managers. In smaller or rural counties, assembling that team — and sustaining it — can be difficult.

Funding is another major factor. While some recovery courts are supported by federal grants or state funding, many rely in part on local resources. Without consistent funding streams, counties may be unable to support the long-term structure required for these programs.

Caseload also plays a role. Recovery courts depend on a steady number of eligible participants. In counties with smaller populations or fewer qualifying cases, officials may determine that a standalone program is not feasible. In some regions, multi-county or regional courts are considered as alternatives, though those require coordination across jurisdictions.

Court officials emphasize that the absence of a recovery court does not mean treatment options are unavailable. Individuals in counties without programs may still access substance use treatment, probation-based services or referrals to programs in neighboring areas.

Still, advocates say the uneven availability underscores broader challenges in expanding recovery courts statewide — particularly in rural communities where resources are more limited but need remains high.

The North Carolina Judicial Branch, which employs roughly 7,600 people and operates in all 100 counties, says Recovery Court Month will include outreach and education efforts aimed at highlighting both the success of existing programs and the need for continued investment.

As the month unfolds, court leaders and advocates are expected to continue pressing for sustained federal and state support — seen as key to expanding access and closing gaps in counties that currently lack recovery courts.