The Cook County Shore Substance Use Recovery Court celebrated the long-awaited graduation of a participant whose recovery started more than five years ago.
Robert James entered the recovery court program in 2019 but dropped out shortly thereafter. He spent four years with a warrant for his arrest before willingly turning himself in at a warrant resolution workshop in 2024. That was the beginning of his successful recovery journey.
"This program has changed my life immensely — I've come a long way; I have all new relationships with my family," he said. "I had to work through a lot of guilt and shame, but it feels good to sit here today and focus on positivity."
James is a member of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, so his graduation ceremony featured a drum circle and other culturally significant elements.
Robert James is wrapped in a tribal blanket honoring his culture during his graduation ceremony.
"Culture and spirit are a big part of Robert's recovery, so it's great that we have been able to come up here and celebrate with cultural and spiritual leaders," said Presiding Judge Steve B. Hanke. "Robert is an example of Treatment Courts working — he was in the program before I became a judge, then went out on warrant, then came in on one of our warrant workout days and we've been working with him ever since."
"He is now a role model and mentor," Judge Hanke added. "He's graduating our treatment court today but he also has become one of our colleagues and he's going to be helping us for years to come."
The Cook County Shore Substance Use Recovery Court, which began in 2016, works to reduce recidivism of offenders who experience substance use disorders and/or suffer from a mental health disorder by collaborating with attorneys, probation, law enforcement, treatment providers, and community partners. In lieu of incarceration, the treatment court uses a treatment-based approach coupled with intensive supervision and judicial oversight to help justice-involved, chemically dependent and mentally ill community members maintain sobriety and stabilize their mental health. The treatment court program typically lasts 15-to-24 months and is funded through grants, participant fees, and donations. Community support is essential to provide life-changing services to those in need.
The Sixth Judicial District has eight treatment courts. More information about them can be found on the district’s webpage.