Rebuilding Families: Inside Thurston County’s Family Recovery Court

June 2025 Family Recovery Court Graduation

Few bonds are stronger than family. But sometimes, for the safety and well-being of children, families must be separated. In Thurston County, the Family Recovery Court (FRC) is dedicated to safely reunifying families by supporting parents through substance-free recovery, reducing the chances of future involvement with the child welfare system.

Liesa Rodriguez, Thurston County’s FRC coordinator, oversees both daily operations and the recovery journeys of participants. “My role involves close collaboration with community partners and stakeholders to promote successful outcomes, particularly in helping parents achieve reunification with their children and obtain and maintain long-term recovery,” she explains.

Rodriguez has worked in addiction and recovery for more than a decade, including with FRC programs in Utah before moving to Washington. “I first crossed paths with the Strophy Foundation through our mutual support of therapeutic court participants,” she recalls. “Their assistance in helping individuals overcome barriers has been instrumental in promoting stability, long-term recovery, and successful outcomes within our program.”

Families can request to participate in FRC, or may be referred by stakeholders such as attorneys or social workers. Interested parents begin by observing a court session, then meet with Rodriguez to ask questions and start the application process. If they meet the requirements and are accepted, they sign a contract and start participating immediately.

“One thing people may not realize is how individualized and supportive the Family Recovery Court process truly is,” says Rodriguez. “FRC is not just about compliance—it’s about meeting participants where they are and helping them build the tools needed for long-term recovery, stability, and reunification.”

FRC relies on a multidisciplinary team approach. Judges, attorneys, treatment providers, case managers, DCYF social workers, Rodriguez, and others come together to support each participant’s journey. It’s more than simply checking boxes. “A lesser-known aspect is that participants attend court weekly and receive consistent feedback—both accountability and encouragement—which helps build structure and motivation. We put a strong emphasis on incentivizing positive change and are always looking for new ways to keep participants engaged and supported throughout their journey,” she explains.

FRC staff also work closely with a contracted treatment provider to offer individualized, evidence-based services, including group and individual counseling, drug testing, and other therapeutic supports. These services address underlying issues related to substance use, promote accountability, and help build lasting change.

Rodriguez is grateful for the Strophy Foundation’s continued support, which provides incentives like housing and rental assistance, essentials, help with utilities, and transportation support such as car repairs, gas cards, and ride services.

She encourages the public to watch for Strophy Foundation fundraisers throughout the year. “Every donation plays a part in supporting families on their path to recovery and reunification,” Rodriguez says.

In the end, it all comes back to the heart of family. “Family Recovery Court is truly more than just a program; it is a community,” she says. “We recognize that recovery and family reunification are not linear processes, and we walk alongside participants as they navigate setbacks, celebrate milestones, and rebuild their lives. Watching parents grow in confidence, reconnect with their children, and achieve long-term sobriety is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.”