Family Drug Court Program Overview

Family Drug Courts attempt to break the cycle of substance abuse in families by treating drug and alcohol addicted families who face the loss or restriction of their parental rights with the ultimate goal of maintaining family unity.

Belmont County Family Drug Court is a 9-12 month program aimed at returning children to their parents by intervening in drug and alcohol usage through intense supervision and participation in recovery services. When a family comes before the Juvenile Court, a referral of the family will be made by the Children Services Case Manager to the Drug Court Coordinator. If this evaluation indicated that this family will benefit from the drug court program, then a referral for an assessment will be made to North Point Counseling Services. A recommendation will then be sent to the Court. If a family accepts the Drug Court program, this shows their willingness to accept all help in reuniting their family.

This program lasts 9 to 12 months on average. Depending on a family's progress the child may be returned during that time with a disposition of Protective Supervision to the Department of Job and Family Services. The speed at which this occurs varies depending on a family's progress in treatment and compliance with Family Drug Court Rules and Regulations.

Inception for Belmont County Juvenile Drug Court was January 1st 2005. The program is partially funded ($40,000) through the Ohio State Supreme Court Specialized Dockets Grant. Currently, the program has a target of five to ten families to serve with the capacity to grow as needed.

Initially, families in the Drug Court Program are required to appear before the judge every other week. These meetings occur at the Belmont County Justice Center Court Room on Wednesday between the hours of 10:30 am and 12:00 pm. At that time, the judge reviews the progress or lack of progress of the family. Intensive counseling with North Point and monitoring by the case manager will occur. At the end of the program, and if the family has successfully fulfilled the terms of the program, he/she will receive a graduation certificate and a graduation ceremony will take place.