An Opportunity to Break Cycles: A District Court Initiative Story

When Adrieanna Wooten first learned about the Smart Justice District Court Initiative (SJDCI) in Johnson County, it came through the court system. At the time, she saw it as something that could help her case. What she couldn’t yet see was how deeply the initiative would transform her life.

“I would say it completely changed my life in the best way possible,” Adrieanna shared. “It gave me hope of a new life and not being stuck in the same cycle of old patterns.”

During her time in SJDCI, Adrieanna navigated challenges that would have overwhelmed many. She attended inpatient substance use treatment and achieved six months of sobriety. She fled domestic violence, sought legal protection for herself and her child, and worked with advocates to rebuild safety and stability. Along the way, she gained employment, applied for and obtained stable housing for herself and her child, and secured SNAP benefits to help meet basic needs.

In the midst of these major life changes, Adrieanna also welcomed new life, giving birth to a son while continuing her work in the initiative. She began pursuing her GED, attended counseling services, and strengthened her support system — not only through community partners in the 100 Families Initiative, whom she plans to continue working with, but also by repairing relationships with her family members.

While finishing SJDCI meant resolving court-related obligations, Adrieanna says that wasn’t what truly kept her committed.

“I was really motivated about finishing and not having fines,” she explained, “but really what made me commit is the life changes that I made during my time through the program.”

A key part of that change was learning to ask for help and trust the process — something Adrieanna says didn’t come easily at first.

“Some of the best skills that I gain from this program is to not be afraid to ask for help,” she said. “Building confidence in myself and just trusting the process.”

That trust grew as she experienced consistent support and accountability from the court team. Even during moments when she struggled, she never felt abandoned.

“I knew that they were truly invested in my success when they didn't give up on me even though I was still going through it,” Adrieanna said.

The structure of the initiative — clear expectations, regular check-ins, and genuine care — gave her a renewed sense of purpose.

“Their support was honestly what makes it worth it,” she shared. “With them making guidelines and filling like I needed to fulfill to progress gave me a sense of purpose.”

For Court Coordinator Nikki Stone, Adrieanna’s journey is a powerful example of what Smart Justice is designed to do.

“Adrieanna was my very first participant with SJDCI and so she will always hold a special place in my heart,” Stone said. “What solidified that place is the tenacity of her character. Even when she was backsliding, she didn't give up on herself or her child and their future. She worked so, so hard to better her life… Her demeanor is lighter and happier, she's not fearful for her safety anymore, and she knows her worth. She knows that she is worth an incredible life ahead of her.”

Johnson County District Court Probation Officer Denisse Delgado echoed that sentiment, noting how far Adrieanna has come since first entering the courtroom.

“Ms. Wooten is one of those individuals who has made this initiative worthwhile for me,” Delgado said. “She was very visibly stuck in the system and clearly needed help. I don’t think even she realized her potential… Once we were able to bridge that gap and build trust, we began seeing the side of Ms. Wooten that we knew was there. It has been the most rewarding feeling seeing her overcome some of the hardest moments in her life and grow into that potential.”

As she completes the SJDCI program, Adrieanna is focused and has some great goals laid out for herself and her future. 

“The personal goals that I have set for myself first is staying sober,” she said. “Finishing my GED and then looking into college… and being a good role model for my children and people around me.”

When asked what she would say to others who may be hesitant about joining the Smart Justice Initiative, her message is simple and direct.

“This program will change your life,” Adrieanna said. “Just do it.”

She also hopes lawmakers and community leaders understand the broader impact of initiatives like SJDCI.

“Smart Justice District Court Initiative can change hundreds of lives,” she shared, “and not by putting them down but by trying to lift them up when they're already down.”

As Adrieanna steps into the next chapter of her life, she does so with confidence, accountability, and a renewed sense of hope — proof of what’s possible when the justice system and community come together to truly invest in people.