The Federal Way Municipal Court will celebrate its first Community Court graduation on Dec. 13. The ceremony is from 12:15-1 p.m. with a reception immediately following. The graduation will be held in City Council chambers at Federal Way City Hall, 33325 8th Ave. S., Federal Way. The public is invited to attend.

The graduation is held in honor of Community Court participants who have demonstrated success in overcoming obstacles that have resulted in judicial intervention in the past. The therapeutic court is designed to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior.

The Community Court opened in March with no additional public funds in cooperation with Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care, New Connections and community volunteers with additional support from the Federal Way Community Caregiving Network.

“The success of these graduates is directly attributable to their personal commitment to better their lives, but it is also a tribute to what can be done with a change of attitude and a change of approach by all of us when we address the underlying issues that bring people into court,” said judge Dave Larson in a press release. He continued, “The prosecutor, defense counsel, and volunteer mentors made this program what it is; a supportive method to handle cases in ways that help people change their lives. People actually look forward to coming to court because of an environment that solves problems by encouraging collaboration and success instead of punishing failure.”