Parental substance use disorders can affect the whole family. In cases of child maltreatment where parental substance use is a contributing factor, family treatment courts (FTCs) offer a family-centered, collaborative approach to support the entire family.
Multidisciplinary FTC teams made up of judges, attorneys, caseworkers, substance use treatment providers, and others aim to prevent family separation while providing tailored services to children and family members and helping parents recover. Through FTCs, all family members should have equitable access to and use of culturally responsive, trauma-informed services that improve their safety, permanency, and well-being. Services may include family counseling, substance use treatment, or mental health and trauma treatment.
Family engagement is vital to the FTC process, and judges and others should engage with children, youth, and families to determine the best options for them. Stigma around substance use disorders creates barriers for parents seeking treatment, so professionals may need to reexamine their own beliefs. Systemic racism and implicit bias have created disproportionality in child welfare and other child- and family-serving systems. FTCs provide opportunities to address racial disproportionality and can be used to achieve equitable participation and outcomes.
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What Are Family Treatment Courts and How Do They Improve Outcomes for Children and Families?
Discusses key components, structure models, and the effectiveness of family treatment court.
What Can We Learn From Family Treatment Courts About Improving Practice for Families Affected by Substance Use Disorder?
Reviews effective strategies family treatment courts use to improve outcomes for families affected by parental substance use disorder. It also includes tips for child welfare professionals and local examples.
Family Treatment Court Best Practice Standards
Provides practitioners with a shared definition of the elements required in quality practice in family treatment court and establishes a common language across various systems and programs that work with families.
Four Ways That Courts Can Actively Engage Children and Youth Involved in Child Welfare Proceedings
Learn how judges and other court professionals can involve children and youth in decisions about their lives.
Equity and Inclusion in Family Treatment Courts
Watch this video to learn how FTCs and partner agencies can promote equal access to services.
Putting the Pieces Together: Disrupting Stigma to Support Meaningful Change for Families in Family Treatment Court
Review this video and other materials to learn how stigma around substance use disorders creates barriers for parents seeking treatment, particularly when child abuse and neglect is involved.
Family Treatment Courts - CASA
Learn about the essential elements of FTCs and how they can encourage parental involvement in treatment and other services.
Harnessing the Power of Family Treatment Courts: Brief Series
Read these briefs for strategies on funding and evaluating family treatment courts as well as addressing community needs.
GAINS Webinar: Family Treatment Court Best Practice Standards: Laying the Groundwork
View a webinar that summarizes the Family Treatment Court Best Practice Standards.