Wood County Family Treatment Court Achieves Full Operation: A Comprehensive Overview

Wood County Families Celebrate Recovery, Face Uncertain future for Treatment Program

PARKERSBURG, WV – Three Wood County residents recently completed the Family Treatment Court program, marking notable milestones in their journeys to recovery and family reunification. The graduation ceremony highlighted the transformative power of the program, even as its future hangs in the balance due to looming funding cuts.

The program, designed to address substance use disorders and strengthen families, provides intensive support including classes, therapy, sponsorship, and assistance with housing and employment. For participants like Sacry, the rigorous structure was essential.

“It felt like my life was being micromanaged,” Sacry admitted,”but I came to understand it was necessary to build a future for my children and a life I could be proud of.” After 21 months, Sacry has achieved that future, regaining custody of her children and securing stable housing while working in the recovery field. Her driving force, she emphasized, was the desire to rebuild her family.

Kelley, another graduate, echoed the sentiment, acknowledging his past “selfish and self-centered” behavior. he credited the program’s accountability – weekly meetings and support from his family – with helping him navigate the “very tough” initial stages of change. “I made the choice to change,” he stated, also praising the dedication of the treatment team. “What is best for your children is for you to be in their lives.”

The success stories were lauded by Cheri Christman, Family Treatment Court case coordinator, who emphasized the importance of commitment and perseverance through setbacks. “The whole purpose of this program is we want people in recovery to take it, buy it and live it,” she said, proudly identifying the graduates as “poster children” for the program’s effectiveness.

West Virginia Supreme court Justice Beth Walker Bunn, a strong advocate for treatment courts, underscored their role as “problem-solving courts” focused on family reunification and safe, happy homes. Since joining the court three years ago, she has witnessed firsthand the positive impact these programs have on individuals and communities.

However, Bunn also revealed a concerning reality: the 14 Family Treatment Courts across the state are facing significant financial challenges. Despite demonstrating a return on investment – saving the state approximately $7 million by reducing the need for long-term protective services – the program’s funding has been cut by $5.5 million.

Currently operating on grants expected to run out in September, officials have requested $1.2 million from the West Virginia Legislature and the West Virginia First Foundation to sustain the program.”There is some uncertainty about our Family Treatment Courts continuing, given the funding situation right now,” bunn cautioned.

The graduation ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the lives transformed by the Family Treatment court program, and the potential consequences of its potential demise.

What specific types of substance abuse treatment are prioritized for parents entering the Wood County FTC program?

What is a Family Treatment Court?

Family Treatment Courts (FTCs) represent a specialized court docket designed to address cases involving child abuse and neglect where parental substance abuse or mental health issues are significant factors. Unlike customary family court proceedings, FTCs prioritize family reunification and long-term stability through intensive, coordinated services. The core beliefs centers on providing parents with the support and resources needed to overcome challenges and create safe, nurturing environments for their children.This differs from solely focusing on punitive measures. Key terms related to this include child welfare, parental rights, and dependency cases.

Wood County’s journey to Full Operation

Wood County’s Family Treatment Court has recently achieved full operational status, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to supporting families facing complex challenges. the path to full operation involved several phases:

1. Planning & Grant Acquisition (2022-2023): Initial planning began with a needs assessment identifying a high prevalence of substance use disorder and mental health concerns among parents involved in child welfare cases.Securing funding through state and federal grants, specifically those aimed at substance abuse treatment and mental health services, was crucial.
2. Team formation (Early 2024): A multidisciplinary team was assembled,including a dedicated judge,prosecuting attorney,defense counsel,child protective services representatives,substance abuse counselors,mental health professionals,and a family support coordinator. This collaborative approach is fundamental to the FTC model.
3. Pilot Program (Mid-2024): A limited pilot program was launched to test the court’s processes and refine its approach. This phase allowed for identifying and addressing logistical challenges before full implementation.
4. Full Operation (August 2025): With accomplished completion of the pilot program and ongoing funding secured,the Wood County FTC officially began full operation,accepting all eligible cases.

Eligibility Criteria for Wood County FTC

Not all child welfare cases are suitable for the Family Treatment Court. Specific eligibility criteria are in place to ensure the program effectively serves families who will benefit most from its intensive services.These criteria typically include:

Parental Substance Abuse: A primary factor, with documented evidence of alcohol or drug dependence.

Mental Health Concerns: Diagnosed mental health disorders impacting parenting capacity.

Dependency Case: An active child dependency case filed with the Wood County Juvenile Court.

Willingness to Participate: Parents must voluntarily agree to participate in the program and adhere to its requirements.

Child’s Safety: The child’s safety is paramount. Cases involving severe physical abuse or ongoing immediate danger may not be appropriate. Child safety plans are a critical component of assessment.

Core components of the Wood County FTC Program

The Wood County FTC program is structured around a phased approach, with increasing levels of support and accountability as families progress.

Phase I: stabilization (0-3 Months): Focuses on immediate needs, including detoxification, crisis intervention, and establishing a safe living surroundings. emergency housing and crisis counseling are often utilized.

Phase II: Treatment (3-6 Months): Intensive substance abuse treatment,mental health therapy,and parenting skills training are provided. This phase emphasizes individual and family counseling.

Phase III: Reunification (6-12 Months): Supervised visitation, gradual reintegration of children into the home, and ongoing support services are implemented to facilitate successful reunification. Supervised visitation schedules are carefully monitored.

Phase IV: Aftercare (Ongoing): Continued support and monitoring to prevent relapse and ensure long-term family stability. Relapse prevention strategies are emphasized.

Benefits of the Family Treatment Court Model

The FTC model offers numerous benefits compared to traditional court proceedings:

Improved Reunification Rates: Studies consistently demonstrate higher rates of successful family reunification in FTCs.

Reduced Recidivism: Parents who complete FTC programs are less likely to re-enter the child welfare system.

Enhanced Child Well-being: Children benefit from a stable, nurturing home environment and improved parental capacity.

Cost-Effectiveness: While intensive, FTCs can be more cost-effective in the long run by reducing the need for long-term foster care.

Addressing Root causes: The focus on addressing underlying issues like substance abuse and mental health leads to more sustainable solutions. Trauma-informed care is a key element.

Resources for Families Involved in Wood County FTC

Wood County Juvenile Court: https://www.woodcountyohio.gov/juvenilecourt/ (Example – replace with actual link)

Wood County Department of Job and Family Services: https://www.woodcountyjfs.org/ (Example – replace with actual link)

Local Substance Abuse Treatment Providers: (List local providers with links)

Mental Health Services of Wood County: (List local providers with links)

* Legal Aid Society of Northwest Ohio: (Link to legal aid