Category 1: Family Treatment Court Program Implementation

The Cherokee County Juvenile Court proposes to establish a Family Treatment Court (FTC) to improve the lives of families with dependency allegations arising from parental substance abuse. The Cherokee County FTC will provide trauma-informed, evidence-based substance abuse treatment and parenting services. Using the eight key components of FTC as a guide, the multidisciplinary team will expedite the screening process, efficiently connect parents and caregivers with treatment services, coordinate visitation and parenting programs, and monitor abstinence through random drug screens and field visits, while tracking progress in a central data management system. The Cherokee County FTC is an 18-to-24-month program. Expected outcomes include a reduction in misuse of substances, a decrease in the length of time children spend in foster care placement, and permanent reunification. Project activities will include establishing a multidisciplinary FTC team, implementing evidenced-based treatment and parenting programs, providing ongoing judicial supervision, and connecting families with community resources to build recovery capital. Areas served include Acworth, Woodstock, Canton, Ball Ground, Waleska, Nelson, and Holly Springs. The overall premise of the Cherokee County Juvenile Court’s mission is to protect the long-term safety of the local community and ensure a brighter future for its citizens.