Specialized program within Dependency court designed to treat parents when substance abuse is a core issue.

Increased accountability on the part of the parent

Increased court supervision Increased support for the families involved Sanctions for non-compliance Focus on the parent “Re-parenting” the parent

Frequency of urine screens For the first 3-5 months in Drug Court a

participant will be tested at least 2x per week, sometimes as often as 5x per week.

12-step meetings Participants must complete 90 meetings in

90 days and turn in slips weekly Participants must get a sponsor and utilize

the 12-step program More people to answer to:

Judge weekly, child welfare case manager, SWFAS case manager, lab tech, court administration, bailiff, etc.

Cases where substance abuse is the core issue

Cases where the parent admits a problem with substances and is asking for help

Cases where the parent has co-occurring disorder

Cases where the children have been placed in foster care

New time limits are not in line with recovery from substance abuse.

Some families have greater needs and benefit from additional support

Supervision of the case after closure

Will I get my children back faster in Family Drug Court?◦ There is no easy way, or quick answer◦ Chances are that it will take longer, BUT after

reunification it is LESS LIKELY that children will be re-removed

◦ Population has greater needs and less support◦ Family Drug Court requires a higher level of

compliance

Family Drug Court is not a substitute for treatment.

Rejecting the offer of Family Drug Court does not mean that a parent is exempt from attending a substance abuse screening/ assessment

Detox does not satisfy the “SWFAS evaluation” component of a case plan

Send a Drug Court Referral via fax to SWFAS

Attn: Sheree Beau Wells 239 332-0287 Contact Debbie Basford at (239) 931-

9744(office), or email at d_basford@swfas.org

Notify the DCF attorney Notify the GAL attorney (if one is assigned)