​​​​​​​​​It is the mission of the Family Preservation Drug Court to provide substance abuse treatment in a non-adversarial setting district and separate from the traditional justice systems. Treatment court provides a comprehensive approach to dealing with persons with substance abuse disorders. The central focus of the program is on treatment and recovery; however, the program also attempts to help you make changes in all aspects of your life. The ultimate goal of the Family Preservation Drug Court is to provide you with the tools to be a sober, productive, and contributing member of the community and your family. When this goal is accomplished, family reunification is more likely to be permanent.

Program Structure

If parents choose to participate in the drug court program, the drug court team will assess their individual needs and connect them with appropriate support services, such as substance abuse treatment, recovery meetings (like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Smart Recovery), mental health services, therapy, health insurance programs, housing, and other services.

The Court also provides parents with accountability. Their progress in all services including substance abuse treatment is closely monitored and reported to the Judge. Parents are asked to submit random drug tests while in the programs to monitor their use of drugs and alcohol. Parents are also court-ordered to engage in services, as deemed necessary by the Family Preservation Drug Court team. These services may include therapy, recovery meetings, working a recovery program with another person in recovery, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence services, parenting training, and/or services. As a consequence of the parent's progress with the Court orders, they will be given rewards and/or consequences.

Consequences can range in severity from negative feedback from the Judge. Rewards could range in intensity from putting their name in a drawing for a gift card following the drug court hearings to eventual graduation and successful completion of the FPDC program. 

Benefits

Help in obtaining employment, LifePath Funds available for extra needs (rent, bills, etc.) Bus passes, attended participant school graduation, extra visits, therapy not provided by CPS, weekly drawing for gift cards, furniture and toiletries available for participants, Meals at Christmas/Thanksgiving, 

Why Should I Join​?

You will get increased visitation with your children. You will get a direct link to services and agencies. You will get the ability to hold agencies involved in your case accountable. You will get an attorney assigned to you to advise you on any legal issue. You will get continuous support for a stable and happy family life. If your child is in DFPS custody, you may get your child placed with you before 6 months of sobriety is achieved. You will get support to remain drug and alcohol-free.

You May Not Be Ready for This Program If:​

You are not ready to change your lifestyle. You have no real desire to raise your children. You are not ready to do what it takes to stop using drugs or alcohol. You have a significant other who is not willing to engage in a sober family lifestyle and you are not willing to break up with them. You want to continue to live the life you are already living.

Goals

• ​Address substance abuse and neglect in an attempt to break multigenerational cycles.
• Target permanency for children exposed to parental substance abuse.
• Facilitate quick entry into treatment for targeted families.
• ​Get participants to live a lifestyle that is free of drugs and alcohol.
• Help parents grow into sober, responsible caregivers for their children and themselves.​

​Application Process

The Attorney/Pro Se Litigant must email the 199th District Court Coordinator their intention to participate in the program. Once the case has been reviewed and deemed qualified, the participants will enter a written contract with the Court.  ​

​Contact

Team Members

Resources and Forms