Family Dependency Treatment Courts (FDTC’s) attempt to break the cycle of substance abuse in families by treating parents with significant substance addiction issues who face loss or restriction of their parental rights. The ultimate goal of the court is safely maintaining family unity.
Coshocton County Family Dependency Treatment Court is a 9-12 month program aimed at returning or maintaining children with their parents by integrating substance use intervention strategies through intense case management and participation in community based and family focused recovery services. When a family presents with significant substance use issues and comes before the Juvenile Court, a referral of the family may be made by the Children Services Case Manager to the FDTC Coordinator. If an evaluation of the case indicates that this family would benefit from the FDTC Program, then a referral for an assessment is made to Coshocton Behavioral Health Choices, the program’s preferred provider. A recommendation will then be sent to the Court. If a family agrees to participation in the FDTC program, this demonstrates their willingness to accept all help in reuniting or maintaining their family.
Depending on a participant’s progress the child(ren) may be maintained or returned during that time with a possible disposition of Protective Supervision to the Department of Job and Family Services. The speed at which this occurs varies depending on progress in treatment and compliance with Family Dependency Treatment Court rules and regulations.
The Coshocton County FDTC began through collaboration between the Court and the Department of Job and Family Services. Currently, the program has a treatment capacity of up to 12 families with the ability to grow as needed. Participants in the FDTC Program are required to appear before the judge anywhere from weekly to monthly, depending on their phase, at which time the judge reviews the progress or lack of progress of the participant. Intensive counseling with a behavioral health agency, supportive services and monitoring by case management will occur. At the end of the program, and if the participant has successfully fulfilled the terms of the program, he/she will receive a graduation certificate and a graduation ceremony will take place.
Success in the program means: stability for children in a positive environment, progress on addiction issues, self sustainability, housing, employment, and enhanced educational capacity.
Participating Community Partners include, but are not limited to: Allwell Behavioral Health Services, Coshocton Behavioral Health Choices, Coshocton County Fatherhood Initiative & Family Pact, Coshocton County Health Department- Maternal & Child Health, Coshocton County Job & Family Services, First-Step Family Violence Intervention Services, and Coshocton County Family & Children First Council.