On May 27, members of our TADTP team had the opportunity to visit the Pinellas County Adult Drug Court in Clearwater, Florida, [1]  as part of our participation at RISE25[2]. Guided by Head Counselor Andy Malanga, we observed a staff meeting and a court hearing led by Judge Kimberly Phillips Todd, whose courtroom is a model of compassion-focused justice, serving over 850 participants seeking recovery rather than punishment.

 

A highlight of our visit was witnessing the Aurora Project (AP) in action—a speciality trauma-informed docket dedicated to justice-involved women with histories of substance use disorders and sexual abuse/trafficking. This innovative initiative is supported by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)[3]  and is a collaborative effort between Pinellas County, the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, and the Center for Rational Living.[4]

 

The program offers comprehensive support, including Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)[5] —a trauma-focused therapy designed to reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories.  The Aurora Project exemplifies how courts can address the root causes of criminal behavior through healing and evidence-based support.

 

What We Learned

 

Trauma-Informed Approach to Recovery

Judge Todd and the Pinellas Drug Court team approach addiction with empathy and a deep understanding of trauma. Recognizing that substance use often stems from unresolved pain, they meet participants where they are—offering support without judgment and empowering individuals to move from brokenness toward healing.

 

Through the Aurora Project, participants receive personalized, holistic support that addresses more than just addiction. The program integrates trauma-focused therapies, including Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which helps individuals process and release the emotional weight of past experiences. This trauma-informed model creates a safe and structured path toward long-term recovery and personal transformation.

 

[1] https://www.jud6.org/ContactInformation/AdultDrugCourt.html

[2]  Link to TADTP article  (visit to RISE25)

[3] https://www.jud6.org/News/DrugCourtGrantsOct2020.pdf

[4] https://crl-recovery.com/

[5] https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/what-is-art/

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Art as a Path to Healing

The walls of the courthouse tell stories through artwork created by participants. Paintings, drawings, poems, and other mixed-media pieces offer a glimpse into the personal journeys of recovery, resilience, and hope. What began as simple creative exercises has evolved into a powerful form of self-expression and emotional release.

Judge Todd takes the time to engage meaningfully with each art piece, asking thoughtful questions and expressing genuine appreciation. This interaction validates the participants’ efforts and helps them feel seen, heard, and valued.

Art has become a core component of the healing process, fostering patience, self-acceptance, and emotional growth. For many, it provides a way to reclaim identity and voice—an essential step in long-term recovery.

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Choice and Challenge in the Courtroom

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Each court hearing begins with a small but meaningful act: participants choose their seats based on how they view their progress. This gesture fosters self-reflection and gives individuals a sense of agency and ownership over their recovery journey.

To keep motivation strong, the court introduces creative, goal-oriented challenges—from setting fitness goals and quitting smoking to reading, personal grooming, and creating art. These challenges are tied to tangible rewards, such as reduced program costs or early completion, reinforcing progress with positive incentives.

Every session starts with a brief video from Judge Todd[6] explaining the day’s process clearly. This consistent practice ensures clarity, structure, and support, helping participants feel more confident and engaged as they proceed.

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Compassionate Justice in Action

 

During our visit, we witnessed how a justice system rooted in compassion and accountability can create real, lasting change. Judge Todd and her team don’t simply hope for participants’ success—they actively invest in their transformation by addressing trauma, offering support, and treating each person with dignity and humanity.

 

Participants are not reduced to their charges—they are seen as individuals with potential and supported every step of the way.

 

As we continue our work in Taiwan, these powerful insights remind us what’s possible when justice is centered on healing rather than punishment—when we treat the person behind the problem, not just the problem itself.

                

 

 

[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKh4oRcAKvo&t=746s