By Roberta M. Gubbins
Legal News
The spring is a time of renewal. Plants come forth from the earth. People come out of their houses relieved to be without coats, boots, hats, mittens and scarves. And graduation ceremonies abound.
Some graduations recognize educational achievement while others celebrate the conclusion of a program designed to change behavior and improve lives. One such graduation took place in Hon. Janelle A. Lawless courtroom on the 19th of May at 4:30 in the afternoon. The two graduates had successfully completed Family Dependency Treatment Court (FDTC), a yearlong comprehensive program of services designed to meet the needs of qualified parents.
The first graduate and her children were called to the defense table where each of the treatment providers commented on the progress made by the parent.
Comments such as "she has shown great a great dedication to her children and I want to commend her for her efforts. She has a long history of alcoholism and has achieved something today that many have failed," preceded the presentation of the Commencement Certificate and Certificate of Sobriety by Judge Lawless.
Speaking to the first graduate, Judge Lawless said, "I am so proud of all the work you have done. Just looking at your children, they are adorable and I know they are a handful. However, you are commencing today with 393 days in our program and are graduating with 388 total sobriety days. You have 102 out of 107 clean substance abuse tests. You have received 43 awards and only 6 sanctions. You received services from New Directions, Cristo Rey, Add-on and Intensive Neglect Services. You go down in history for the best excuse for not having your AA sign in sheet because your car caught on fire and burned up."
The second graduate accompanied by her four children came forward. Comments by the team included "she has shown insight, her children are well-cared for and are doing well in school. She had a great attitude. Sitting in her lap is the best thing to come out of this whole experience, a baby born drug-free."
Judge Lawless, recognizing the accomplishments of the mother, said to laughter, "My only complaint is that the baby's name should have been Janelle. They are all J names and yet... Well, I am so proud of the hard work you have done and the four beautiful children."
After being presented with the Certificate of Sobriety and the Certificate for Commencement, Wendy Morris, graduate, said, "I have learned a lot and I'm glad it's over. This is the beginning of the new Wendy and thank-you."
The group disbanded to celebrate with cake and refreshments in the lobby.
The FDTC program began in Judge Lawless court on October 25th, 2007. "Since that time, we have had 38 graduates from the program," said Carol Reed FDTC Coordinator."
The four-phase program assists those parents with a substance abuse disorder who are at risk of having their children removed due to abuse and neglect. Each parent is guided by a team consisting of the Assistant Prosecutor, a defense attorney, a guardian ad litem for the children who is appointed by the court, a member of the Department of Human Services, Intensive Neglect Services, and treatment providers such as Cristo Rey and National Council on Alcoholism.
Phase I, a 60-day program, requires weekly FDTC reviews, 3 support groups per week, drug testing and detoxification and/or begin substance abuse treatment.
Phase II, a 120 day program, requires substance abuse treatment, bi-weekly FDTC reviews, drug testing, support groups as directed and additional services for the family such as parenting, housing, mental health, employment as required.
Phase III, a 120-day program, includes substance abuse treatment as directed, drug testing, parent actively participating in all services, support groups as directed and monthly FDTC reviews.
Phase IV, 60 days, includes mental health counseling as individually required, drug testing, completing other support service requirements, support groups as directed and monthly FDTC hearings.
Upon completion of the program and recommendation of the team, the parent graduates and the family is again made whole.
Mission Statement of the Family Dependency Treatment Court:
To protect children from abuse and neglect precipitated by the substance abuse of a parent or caregiver.
To encourage the healing and strengthening of families by addressing the comprehensive issues of the parents and their children through an integrated, court-based collaboration among service providers who work as a team to achieve safe and permanent placement through timely decisions, coordinated telephone and ancillary services, coupled with judicial oversight.
Published: Mon, May 30, 2011
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