POLK COUNTY, WI — The Polk County Treatment Court proudly announced the graduation of two individuals from the program—Justin and Josh. The ceremony, presided over by the Honorable Judge Jeffery Anderson, marked a significant milestone not only for the two, but also for the Polk County community.
Justin and Josh both entered the program in 2024, a time when both men were struggling with maintaining sobriety. Justin hoped the program could help him strength his family relationships and set himself up for the future, while Josh worked towards stable housing and employment.
By graduation, Justin had earned a promotion into a leadership role at work, maintained stable housing with plans to eventually purchase a home, paid off his debts, and rebuilt important family connections.
Josh had begun a successful business and achieved stable housing. Josh also strengthened his family relationships and has set himself up for a successful future.
At the graduation hearing, Judge Anderson acknowledged the men’s progress and the commitment it took to reach this point.
“Treatment Court is an intense program that demands honesty, sobriety, community service, responsibility for financial obligations and plans, and overall accountability,” said Judge Anderson. “Our participants often hear me mention that this program is an opportunity for them to change their lives, not just for themselves, but for their families, loved ones, and community.”
The Polk County Treatment Court team, which includes representatives from the district attorney’s office, public defender’s office, probation, jail staff, CJCC case managers, and treatment providers, joined in applauding the men’s achievements.
“Do you have guidance to those individuals who hope to be seated where you are sitting today?” Judge Anderson asked.
“I wanted to share what sobriety means to me,” said Justin. “Choosing yourself daily, feeling emotions fully, learning who you really are, showing up clear and present, discovering what you truly want, becoming someone you are proud of, and building a life you don’t need escape from.”
By graduation, Justin had attended over 46 treatment court status hearings, attended over 302 support meetings, gave over 245 negative drug and alcohol tests throughout his time in treatment court, completed over 60 hours of community service, and was 275 days sober in the program.
Josh had attended over 61 treatment court status hearings, attended over 440 support meetings, gave over 305 negative drug and alcohol tests throughout his time in treatment court, completed over 60 hours of community service, and was 229 days sober in the program.
Justin standing with his graduation certificate beside the Honorable Judge Jeff Anderson.
About Treatment Court:
The Polk County Treatment Court is a program of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC). The mission of the Polk County CJCC is to reduce crime and recidivism in Polk County through programming such as the Treatment Court, which aims to reduce the destructive cycle of substance use and mental health disorder.
Last Update: Apr 27, 2026 10:57 am CDT
