Justice Speaks Podcast Episode #58

In this episode, Justice Speaks continues our series of interviews with State Treatment Court Association leaders, interviewing the President and 2^nd Vice President of the New England Association of Recovery Courts Professionals (NEARCP). This episode is sponsored by Reconnect.

Judge Robert Ziemian (Ret.), is the President of the NEARCP.  He began his remarkable career, as a Navy pilot before becoming a judge. He describes a pivotal moment in his judicial career when in 1992 a treatment provider’s revelation opened his eyes to the need for better cooperation between the justice system and the treatment community. This marked the beginning of his involvement in Recovery Courts, driven by the desire to make the justice system more successful.

Justice Tina Nadeau, is NEARCP’s 2nd Vice President and is the Chief Justice of the Superior Court in New Hampshire and serves on the board of All Rise (formerly known as NADCP).  She highlights her decade-long involvement with the Association. Justice Nadeau emphasizes the importance of collaboration and how Treatment Courts have made a positive impact on her state’s judicial system.

Judge Ziemian, because of his service, discusses his efforts to engage with veterans in his Veterans Court. He shares how wearing a specific hat has helped him connect with veterans and address the high suicide rate among veterans. This personal touch demonstrates the unique approach that Recovery Courts can take to address the specific needs of their participants.

The Creation of the NEARCP

Next the conversation turns to the origins of the NEARCP. The association was founded in 2001 by a judge in Rhode Island who recognized the need for a regional organization. Being the only regional Recovery Court Association creates unique complexities of working across different states with varying legal framework which both of them thinks strengthen the organization.

We then discuss the annual training conference organized by the association, held every November. They describe the meticulous planning involved, featuring breakout sessions, plenary speakers, and opportunities for professionals to share their expertise. They also discuss the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic when the conference had to go virtual.

Diverse States in a Regional Association

Justice Nadeau talks about the intricacies of dealing with diverse state laws within the association as part of NEARCP’s educational approach.   She emphasizes the importance of adhering to national best practices while acknowledging that state laws may sometimes conflict. We then discuss ethical considerations, with an emphasis on respecting individual state rules.

The conversation touches on the unique funding situations in different states in New England and the challenges posed in operating rural Treatment Courts. Justice Nadeau discusses the need for more housing and transportation support for participants in New Hampshire.  Then Judge Ziemian highlights the issue of resistance to change within Massachusetts.

Looking to the Future

As the conversation nears its conclusion, Justice Nadeau envisions a future where Mental Health Courts are more integrated, and Judge Ziemian expresses his hope for greater collaboration among various courts to address family-related issues. They both reflect on the progress made in the Treatment Court movement and express their gratitude to the dedicated individuals involved.

In closing, both Judge Ziemian and Justice Nadeau share their passion for Recovery Courts, emphasizing their role in reducing crime, addressing underlying needs, and cutting costs within the justice system. They express their appreciation for the support of the Supreme Court Chief Justices in their respective states and their commitment to expanding the impact of Recovery Courts.

We wish to thank both Judge Ziemian and Justice Nadeau for sharing their unique experiences with NEARCP, and how it is changing criminal justice in the New England states.  We also wish to thank Reconnect for sponsoring this podcast episode.

Additional Resource

You can watch this interview by going to the Justice Speakers Institutes’ YouTube Channel or by clicking here.