NCJ Number
187717
Journal
National Drug Court Institute Review Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: Winter 2000 Pages: 101-120
Editor(s)
Kathleen R. Snavely
Date Published
2000
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article focuses on the family drug court in Jackson County, Missouri and how this model is effectively processing abuse and neglect cases for both parents and children providing parents with necessary skills to become effective parents, offering a safe home environment, and providing children with a better opportunity of becoming productive members of society.
Abstract
This article discusses the Jackson County, Missouri Family Drug Court program's development, mission and goals, blended system of criminal and civil case processing, and target populations. Particular attention is given to consideration of the best interest of the child or children (encouraging participation in school and the community without the barriers of an unstable home environment), appropriate treatments for one or both substance abusing parents, and the program’s use of sanctions and incentives. By assisting the drug abusing parent in getting clean and sober and by addressing other life issues the child is gaining a family who can care for them for the long term. Treatment shows that the family drug court clients are more motivated to be successful and have a higher successful completion rate compared with self-referral clients.