Justice & Recovery: Exploring Texas Specialty Court Programs

Texas Association of Specialty Courts
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This is the official podcast presented by the Texas Association of Specialty Courts where we talk all things related to Texas specialty court programs. This show was previously titled The PodTASC but was rebranded to Justice & Recovery in November 2024. Episodes feature guest speakers with various specialty court experiences. We go deep on backgrounds and many characteristics on what it takes to operate a successful specialty court in Texas. The Texas Association of Specialty Court Courts (TASC) builds and strengthens Texas specialty courts through collaboration, advocacy and education. TASC was founded to: (1) Increase local and statewide political, media and community awareness of the existence and success of drug courts; (2) Support legislation authorizing funding for the operation of drug courts; and (3) Provide support for jurisdictions wanting to establish drug courts. Justice & Recovery is currently hosted by Liz Wiggins, the Communications Director on the TASC Board.

  1. 08/25/2025 · BONUS

    14. Sponsor Spotlight: A Conversation with SmartStart’s Erin Garza

    In this episode of Justice and Recovery: Exploring Texas Specialty Court Programs, we sit down with Erin Garza, North Texas Regional Account Manager for Smart Start—a company that’s been saving lives through alcohol monitoring technology for over 30 years. A former Dallas County probation officer, Erin shares her journey into the field and gives us an inside look at how Smart Start’s ignition interlock and portable alcohol monitoring devices go beyond compliance—they create accountability, support recovery, and help participants succeed. With no long-term contracts, specialty court discounts, and over 30 service centers in North Texas alone, Smart Start continues to evolve with the needs of courts and clients alike. Whether you’re a judge, coordinator, or treatment provider, this episode is a must-listen for understanding the role technology can play in your program. 🔗 Learn more at smartstartinc.com

    21 min
  2. 13. Sponsor Spotlight: A Conversation with Intoxalock's Jaylen Nalls

    06/18/2025 · BONUS

    13. Sponsor Spotlight: A Conversation with Intoxalock's Jaylen Nalls

    This week on Justice & Recovery, we're excited to feature Jaylen Nalls from Intoxalock, a proud sponsor of the TX Association of Specialty Courts conference! Jaylen shares his journey in criminal justice, highlighting the critical need for resources to address drunk driving. Learn about Intoxalock's history, their diverse services like ignition interlock devices and portable options, and their commitment to 24/7 customer support and free roadside assistance. Jaylen explains how Intoxalock works with individuals during challenging times and their extensive network of service centers across Texas. Discover what makes Intoxalock unique: their reliable devices, robust support, and status as the only vendor integrated into the Case Management System (CSS). Jaylen also discusses Intoxalock's partnership with Specialty Courts, sharing inspiring stories from sponsoring a Mental Health Court graduation. Tune in to hear how Intoxalock is making a real difference in recovery and public safety. Find out more at INTOXALOCK.

    21 min
  3. 12. Strengthening Justice: The Texas Peer Review Model

    04/30/2025

    12. Strengthening Justice: The Texas Peer Review Model

    This episode of Justice & Recovery is essential for Texas Specialty Court programs receiving state grants. We delve into the Texas Peer Review Model and Best Assessments, explaining their potential to significantly improve and strengthen program operations. Join host Liz Wiggins, the official podcast of the Texas Association of Specialty Courts, as we highlight the real people behind the work and the tangible impact of these programs. Guests: Amber Gregory, Specialty Court Resource Center Juliette Mackin, NPC Research Laura Hunter, NPC Research Our expert guests provide valuable insights into how the Texas Peer Review Model and Best Assessments will affect Texas Specialty Court programs, ultimately aiming to strengthen the justice system. Contact the show with comments or questions by emailing JusticeRecoveryPodcacst@gmail.com. Texas Association of Specialty Courts (TASC): http://www.tasctx.org/ TASC Award Nominations: http://www.tasctx.org/awards.html Specialty Court Resource Center: https://www.txspecialtycourts.org/ NPC Research: https://npcresearch.com/ BeST Assessment: https://allrise.org/trainings/best-assessment-tool/

    1h 29m
  4. 11. Dallas Defense Attorney Perspective: A Lawyer’s Journey with Sobriety & Specialty Courts

    02/05/2025

    11. Dallas Defense Attorney Perspective: A Lawyer’s Journey with Sobriety & Specialty Courts

    Today's episode includes guest speaker, Hank Judin, a longtime criminal defense attorney in the Dallas area who serves as the defense attorney for the Dallas Initiative for Diversion and Expedited Rehabilitation and Treatment (DIVERT Court) program. He is also a past president of the TASC board and a past president of the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.    As promised, links/information discussed during the show can be found below:  Contact the show with comments or questions by emailing JusticeRecoveryPodcacst@gmail.com. TASC is hosting its annual training conference on March 24-26, 2025, in Corpus Christi. Registration is open now. Learn more: http://tasctx.org/conference.html Texas Association of Specialty Courts (TASC): http://www.tasctx.org/ TASC Award Nominations: http://www.tasctx.org/awards.html Hank Judin law firm: https://www.judinlaw.com/attorney/judin-c-h-hank-iii/ DIVERT program: https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/criminal-justice/divert-court-program.php

    1h 34m
  5. 10. Designed to Break: Remembering We are Human, Not Superman

    01/13/2025

    10. Designed to Break: Remembering We are Human, Not Superman

    Welcome back for our next episode on Season 2. As a reminder, The PodTASC has been rebranded to Justice & Recovery. Same show, different name, as we continue to explore Texas Specialty Court programs. Liz brings another wonderful guest speaker to the show - Stephen Ellison, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor of Midland County. Stephen shares his journey from a career in the food industry to his current role as the Intensive Outpatient Program Counselor for several specialty court programs. Links/information discussed during the show can be found below:  Contact the show with comments or questions by emailing JusticeRecoveryPodcacst@gmail.com. TASC is hosting its annual training conference on March 24-26, 2025, in Corpus Christi. Registration is now open! Learn more: http://tasctx.org/conference.html Texas Association of Specialty Courts (TASC): http://www.tasctx.org/ TASC Award Nominations: http://www.tasctx.org/awards.html Midland Probation Department programs:  https://midlandcountymi.gov/probation Midland County DWI Court: https://www.co.midland.tx.us/778/DWI-Court Family Promise: https://www.familypromiseofmidland.com/ Fair Havens: https://mfh.org/ Oxford House: https://www.oxfordhousetx.org/ Salvation Army: https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/texas-midland Springboard Center: https://springboardcenter.org/ Thriving United: https://thrivingunited.org/ Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing – Book by Jay Stringer: https://a.co/d/eDRkm64 Maxie’s of Las Vegas: https://maxieslv.com/ Brene Brown: https://brenebrown.com/ Adam Grant: https://adamgrant.net/

    58 min
  6. 9. Exploring Texas Specialty Courts

    12/09/2024

    9. Exploring Texas Specialty Courts

    We are back with another season of the show! We've renamed the show from The PodTASC to Justice & Recovery. In season 1, we had over 1,000 downloads! We are starting this 2nd season off with an overview about Texas specialty court programs. Welcome Hilary Wright to the show. She is a prosecutor in Tarrant County and joined the TASC Board this past year. She is the Vice President and Education & Committee Chair. She prepared this presentation and you can find the video on our YouTube channel. This podcast episode is the audio only version. As a reminder, this presentation gives a general overview of all specialty court types in Texas, each program may differ slightly from the overview provided and the audience should refer to the each program handbook for specific rules and guidelines about that program.  Email questions or comments to JusticeRecoveryPodcast@gmail.com. Show links:  Specialty Courts: An Introduction (YouTube video) Texas Association of Specialty Courts Specialty Court Resource Center

    41 min
  7. 8. From Rock Bottom to Recovery: Jennifer’s Journey of Resilience Through a Midland County Specialty Court Program

    05/12/2024

    8. From Rock Bottom to Recovery: Jennifer’s Journey of Resilience Through a Midland County Specialty Court Program

    Jennifer McMorries of Midland County joins the show to share her struggle to sobriety. Her story can give you hope after addiction and strength to break the cycle. Jennifer shares about her struggles and the kindness she received along the way. She shares about the people that inspired her and how she now uses her past experiences to help others. She is a living example of "paying it forward" and brave example of power of recovery.    Show links:  Midland County Probation Department  Midland County Drug Court Thriving United RISE24 (Conference) AllRise Texas Association of Specialty Courts

    1h 11m
  8. 7. Beyond the Bench: A Conversation on Specialty Courts and Leadership with Judge Phillips

    04/28/2024

    7. Beyond the Bench: A Conversation on Specialty Courts and Leadership with Judge Phillips

    Judge Phillips of Grayson County joins Liz on The PodTASC for a discussion of his journey from his legal practice to policy work to the bench and beyond. He picked up the reigns as TASC President on March 27, 2024, and is ready to lead the statewide organization in its continued transformation from education-focus to impact-focus. From the heroes that inspired him to the best practices that he strives to always implement, Judge Phillips shares how Texas courts can lead the charge in recovery.   Show links:  Grayson County Website, 59th District Court Texas Counseling Association  Texas Association of Specialty Courts Judicial Commission on Mental Health Texoma Behavioral Health Leadership Team AllRise (Formerly known as National Drug Court Professionals)

    55 min
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About

This is the official podcast presented by the Texas Association of Specialty Courts where we talk all things related to Texas specialty court programs. This show was previously titled The PodTASC but was rebranded to Justice & Recovery in November 2024. Episodes feature guest speakers with various specialty court experiences. We go deep on backgrounds and many characteristics on what it takes to operate a successful specialty court in Texas. The Texas Association of Specialty Court Courts (TASC) builds and strengthens Texas specialty courts through collaboration, advocacy and education. TASC was founded to: (1) Increase local and statewide political, media and community awareness of the existence and success of drug courts; (2) Support legislation authorizing funding for the operation of drug courts; and (3) Provide support for jurisdictions wanting to establish drug courts. Justice & Recovery is currently hosted by Liz Wiggins, the Communications Director on the TASC Board.

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