Inside Recovery and Wellness Courts with Judge Rea Boylan

In this inspiring episode of Opening Doors, host Rachel Dalinka sits down with Judge Rea Boylan of Bucks County to discuss the transformative impact of Recovery and Wellness Courts. Judge Boylan shares her experiences since initiating these innovative alternatives to incarceration, which focus on treatment and community reintegration for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. Listeners will gain insights into the collaborative efforts of diverse community stakeholders, the importance of purpose and connection in recovery, and groundbreaking programs like the Youthful Offender Initiative. This conversation emphasizes the power of support, mentorship, and redemption in fostering positive change.

Key Episode Takeaways:

• The Role of Recovery and Wellness Courts: Providing alternatives to incarceration through treatment and community-based support.

• Collaborative Community Efforts: How organizations like Sync Recovery, SCORE, and local workforce initiatives aid in participant reintegration.

• Youthful Offender Program: A special initiative offering young adults (ages 18-25) leadership training with Diakon Wilderness Challenge Program, and personal development to avoid felony convictions.

• Mentorship and Purpose: Mentors play a vital role in helping individuals rebuild lives and develop skills that are aligned with their strengths.

• Redefining Community Support: A call for reducing stigma and promoting meaningful employment and engagement for individuals reentering society.

Resources and Links Mentioned:

• Judge Boylan's Bucks County Treatment Court: https://vimeo.com/947167737/5ce38c516e?share=copy

• Sync Recovery: A community organization offering yoga, arts, and outdoor activities for individuals in recovery https://syncrecovery.org 

• SCORE Mentorship: Providing mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs https://www.score.org 

• Diakon Wilderness Challenge Program: A leadership and development program for young offenders https://www.diakon.org/youth-services/ 

• CareerLink: Workforce development services mentioned as part of Bucks County's supportive resources https://www.pacareerlink.pa.gov/jponline/ 

Books:

• What Happened To You: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing  – Oprah and Dr. Bruce Perry

• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma – Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

Support Groups-Resources:

• Grief Support Resources for Parents Who Have Lost Children to Gun Violence: https://judishouse.org/childhood-bereavement/gun-violence/ 

• The Compassionate Friends non-profit organization exists to provide friendship, understanding, and hope to those going through the natural grieving process: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/ 

• Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families: https://adultchildren.org/meeting-search/ 

• Co-Dependents Anonymous (CODA): https://coda.org/

• Children of Incarcerated Parents: CAP4Kids -Philadelphia: https://cap4kids.org/philadelphia/parent-handouts/parenting-foster-care-adoption/incarceration-resources/

• Rainbows for All Children: https://rainbows.org/

Support for Children dealing with Grief from many traumas, including incarcerated parents:

• We Got Us Now: https://www.wegotusnow.org

• National Resource Center on Children & Families of the Incarcerated – Rutgers Camden: https://nrccfi.camden.rutgers.edu/resources/directory/national-programs/

• Youth.Gov: Children of Incarcerated Parents: https://youth.gov/youth-topics/children-of-incarcerated-parents/tools-guides-resources

• Sesame Workshop: https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/incarceration/

 

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to the Opening Doors Podcast and share it with others who might benefit from these stories. Please visit https://openingdoorspodcast.com/ to subscribe to the newsletter. Remember, healing is a journey; you don’t have to walk it alone. Let’s open those doors together!

Opening Door Podcast Music by John Abella