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

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.

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/