Eight Raleigh County Residents Graduate Adult Treatment Court

The program aims to reduce crime, restore families, and save costs associated with incarceration.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Eight Raleigh County residents were recognized for graduating from the Raleigh County Adult Treatment Court program on March 5, 2026. The program was designed to help participants recover from substance abuse, reduce crime, and restore families. Program leaders and graduates spoke about the difficulty of the recovery process and the hope and optimism the graduates have gained.

Why it matters

Adult Treatment Courts are an important alternative to traditional incarceration, offering a path for non-violent offenders to address the root causes of their criminal behavior through intensive treatment and rehabilitation. The Raleigh County program's success highlights how these specialized courts can help reduce recidivism, save taxpayer money, and positively transform participants' lives.

The details

The Raleigh County Adult Treatment Court program was created to help non-violent offenders recover from substance abuse, reduce crime, and restore families. On March 5, 2026, eight graduates were recognized for their accomplishments in the program. Program leaders and the presiding judge spoke about the difficulty of the recovery process, but also the hope and optimism the graduates have gained. One graduate, Wesley Bullens, said committing to positive changes had made his life more fulfilling, allowing him to have a "beautiful son and wonderful lady." The State Coordinator for West Virginia Adult Treatment Courts, Kaylee Dickenson, told the graduates they should be "extremely proud" of where they are today after putting in so much effort.

  • The Raleigh County Adult Treatment Court graduation ceremony took place on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Wesley Bullens

A graduate of the Raleigh County Adult Treatment Court program who said committing to positive changes had made his life more fulfilling.

Todd Kirby

The Raleigh County Circuit Court Judge who presided over the Adult Treatment Court program and said it is one of the most effective programs he has been a part of professionally.

Kaylee Dickenson

The State Coordinator for West Virginia Adult Treatment Courts who told the graduates they should be "extremely proud" of where they are today.

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What they’re saying

“If I wouldn't have changed, I wouldn't have my beautiful son and wonderful lady. I am glad I made a commitment to getting clean and staying clean. Not only for them, but for myself also.”

— Wesley Bullens, Graduate

“I just would like to reiterate the hope and optimism that I've gotten from you all. I just hope that the community shares that and continues to support you guys.”

— Todd Kirby, Raleigh County Circuit Court Judge

“You guys put a lot of effort into these programs. It is not easy at all. You guys should be extremely proud that you are where you are today.”

— Kaylee Dickenson, State Coordinator for West Virginia Adult Treatment Courts

What’s next

The Raleigh County Adult Treatment Court program will continue to support graduates in maintaining their recovery and reintegrating into the community.

The takeaway

The Raleigh County Adult Treatment Court program demonstrates the positive impact specialized courts can have in helping non-violent offenders address the root causes of their criminal behavior through intensive treatment and rehabilitation. By reducing recidivism and restoring lives, these programs offer a more effective and humane alternative to traditional incarceration.