NCJ Number
136781
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 43 Issue: 1 Dated: (1992) Pages: 11-19
Date Published
1992
Length
9 pages
Annotation
A model is proposed for use by courts to provide drug-addicted parents involved in child abuse cases with the consequences and external structure that they usually require for successful recovery from addiction.
Abstract
Although dependency courts routinely order drug abusing parents into treatment, the compliance rate is as low as 20 percent. Although some parents will never participate, others may become motivated by court orders that apply the addiction treatment principles of simple steps and immediate consequences. The proposed model is called Steps To Accepting Recovery Treatment (START). Using this model, the court would require small steps each month, using the process of goal setting, goal review, and positive and negative consequences based on success or lack of success with the goals. The goals would cover alcohol or drug treatment, counseling, and parenting instruction. The START model is flexible and as yet untested. Implementation would require attention to the issues of how and by whom goals are set and the application of the contempt power for parents who miss goals. Appended sample forms and goals and 29 reference notes