FAQs

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Juvenile Justice - Family Dependency Treatment Court

1. What is Family Dependency Treatment Court?: The Family Dependency Treatment Court is one of six specialized dockets within the Juvenile Court. FDTC seeks to assist parents whose child(ren) have been removed from their custody or are at risk of removal due to the parents substance abuse and/or mental health issues.
The goal of FDTC is reunification of parent and the child(ren).

2. How do I plea into FDTC?: A referral is made either by the Children Services Board (CSB) or the Judge. In most cases CSB is involved with the family and/or an individual has been charged with Endangering or Contributing. Once a referral is made, a potential participant is required to obtain a drug and alcohol assessment and undergo a Mental Health Evaluation. The FDTC staff then decides whether or not the person is appropriate for the program.

3. How long will I be in FDTC?: FDTC is comprised of three (3) phases which are a minimum of twelve (12) weeks each. Advancement through the phases is individual and based on compliance and progress.

4. If I plea into FDTC, does that guarantee I will receive custody of my child(ren)?: No. There is no guarantee of custody. Custody shall only be returned if there is full compliance and progress made. Each case is individual and reviewed as such. The Magistrate and FDTC team decide if and when custody of the child(ren) is returned to a participant.

5. Will I be required to take drug/alcohol tests throughout the program?: Yes. Drug and/or alcohol tests can be administered or ordered at any time. Additionally, the participant will test as his/her treatment provider requires.

6. Is there a fee to participate?: Yes. There is a $100 fee that must be paid by the time the participant graduates from the program.

7. Since I plea into the program voluntarily, can I choose to leave the program the same way?: No. Once you plea in, you are in the program until you are either positively or negatively discharged.