1. Denver Family Integrated Drug Court
Lilas Rajaee-Moore
Director of TASC & Drug Court Programs
February 24, 2006

2. Common Characteristics of AOD related families
Although some families become involved with Child Protective Services (CPS) due to abuse issues, over 60% of substance abusing families are referred due to neglect issues.
Chronic parental substance abuse is a key barrier to successful family reunification…
The majority of parents reported to CWS are women, and African American mothers are over-represented demographically.
Many families are involved with co-occurring mental health, domestic violence, and medical health issues including HIV / AIDS.
Children with open Child Welfare cases whose parents have substance abuse issues tend to be younger than other children involved with CWS.
These children are more likely to be victims of severe and chronic neglect, and are much more likely to be placed in foster care for longer periods of time than other child clients.
Many substance abusing parents, especially mothers, referred to the Child Welfare System are motivated to enter treatment out of concern for their children. THIS IS A STRENGTH for professionals TO BUILD ON!!!!!!!!

3. Adoption and Safe Families Act
Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997
(P.L )
Amendment the Family Preservation and Support Services Act...
The law decreases the amount of time allowed for child welfare professionals to establish permanency planning from 18 to 12 months. Establishes timely status reviews and more decisive permanency hearings
In cases of aggravated circumstances (defined as a parent who commits murder, involuntary manslaughter, or felony assault that results in serious harm to the child), States are not required to make reasonable efforts towards family preservation prior to placing a child in foster care.
Re-definition of “reasonable efforts” to include that the child’s safety and health shall be the paramount concern.
Family reunification services are time limited. Services to families may include substance abuse treatment, domestic violence counseling, child care, and transportation, BUT service are not to exceed more than 15 months after child placement...

4. Traditional Court Process
Multiple Cases and Judges
Conflicting Court Orders
Insufficient Treatment Funds
Lack of Emphasis on Family Related
Issues
Child Protection Issues.

5. Philosophical Concepts
Parents love their children and want them to develop into healthy adults.
Parents have a right to raise their own children.
Children grow best in their own families.
Most children can be protected within their own homes.
Most children want to live with their own parents if they can be safe.
The state is not a good parent.
Given appropriate support, most families can be preserved

6. Colorado Commission on Families Recommendations
Professional Expertise
Family Law Background
Experience with families and substance abuse
Best interests of the child and the process of recovery
Timely, Efficient, and Less Adversarial Process
On judge, one family, one court
Relationship building
Increased client motivation
Enhanced Coordination
Collaboration which decreases duplication and fragmentation of services
Legal and Ancillary Services
Flexible Service Funds

7. FIDC Treatment Strategies
Integrate and strengthen assessment practices for substance abusing families.
Provide TIMELY access to appropriate substance abuse treatment and ancillary services.
Identify strategies to motivate substance abusing parents.
Define criteria and expand knowledge leading to informed decisions on when to return children to their families.
Prevent and prepare for relapse!
Focus on individualized “reasonable efforts” for substance abusing families and permanency planning.

8. Clocks
The Clock of Child Development: Children cannot wait. Children urgently need safe and stable homes and nurturing relationships to develop a foundation for a healthy and productive life.
The Clock of Recovery: Alcohol and drug abusers need time to conquer their addiction. It can take several attempts, over months and years, before treatment works. Relapse is common...The process of recovery is life-long.

9. FIDC Critical Elements
Non-adversarial process
Frequent Court Reviews
Drug Testing
Graduated Sanctions & Incentives
Timely access to assessment & treatment
Accountability
Therapeutic Jurisprudence

10. Post Implementation Meeting ASFA and Treatment Guidelines
Expedited and Integrated Case Processing
Access to Treatment Based on Individual Needs
Tangible Sanctions & Incentives
Emphasis on Child Protection, Family Preservation, and Public Safety

11. FIDC Innovations Family / Court Partnerships
Family focus vs. client centered approach
Creative use of graduated sanctions & incentives.
Multi-disciplinary Collaboration