Knox County judge receives Claire McCaskill Award for contributions to treatment court

EDINA, Mo. — Thomas P. Redington, an associate circuit judge in Knox County, recently was awarded the Claire McCaskill Award, one of Missouri’s highest honors in the field of treatment courts. 

The award recognizes leaders who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to helping people in recovery through innovative, compassionate and evidence-based court practices.

The Edina Sentinel reported that Redington’s contributions to Missouri’s treatment court movement span more than 15 years. He helped establish the Marion County Drug Court while serving as prosecuting attorney, laying the groundwork for a lifelong mission to support people battling addiction through restorative justice approaches.

Since approximately 2015, Redington has led the 2nd Circuit Treatment Court Program, expanding it to include DWI court and family treatment court with drug court. Under his guidance, the program has consistently secured grant funding and introduced groundbreaking ideas to better serve participants.

One of his most notable achievements is the creation of a dental care initiative in 2019, which partners with Knox County Dental and dentist Dr. Lisa Bosch along with A.T. Still University’s Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health. This program provides dental services to participants, many of whom face serious health barriers to recovery. He was invited this year to present the success of this initiative to the Missouri Dental Association, helping inspire similar efforts across the state.

“Judge Redington’s work has touched lives not only in Knox County but throughout Missouri,” said Lewis County Associate Circuit Judge Corey Moon, who submitted the nomination. “He’s shown that when we treat people with dignity, support them with real resources and believe in their potential, recovery becomes possible.”

Redington is a regular presenter at statewide trainings, such as the Missouri Association of Treatment Court Professionals (MATCP) Conference, where he shares insights and strategies with fellow judges and court teams. 

Graduates of his program have achieved stable housing, employment, healthcare, childcare and family reunification. Long-time court administrator Jane Moore, who received the Claire McCaskill Award in 2020, has worked alongside Redington in Knox County to build one of the state’s most effective and inspiring treatment court teams.

Redington previously served as the prosecuting attorney in Marion County before he was tabbed in January 2014 by Gov. Jay Nixon to fill out the term of retired Judge William Alberty. He then won his first election in November 2014.

The Claire McCaskill Award, first presented in 2005, honors a legacy of service to justice and recovery in Missouri.