Staff members of the newly-created Pulaski County Circuit Court Family Treatment Court recently attended virtual training to learn more about the family treatment court model, best practices, family engagement, policies and procedures for family courts.
Pulaski County Court Program Coordinator Dr. Natalie Tucker said the training was hosted out of Montana by the Center for Children and Family Futures with family courts out of Montana, Oklahoma and Indiana.
Family treatment courts are designed to improve treatment and child welfare outcomes for families involved in the child welfare system and juvenile system who have substance abuse challenges and need more family engagement support. Studies show that parents with substance abuse challenges enter treatment more quickly, stay in treatment longer, and complete treatment compared to parents who do not work through a family treatment court, according to information submitted by Dr. Tucker.
Circuit Court Judge Mary Welker stated in a press release that Indiana is third in the United States for removal of children from substance abuse situations and it is a major concern. She continued to say that families who complete family treatment court are more likely to be successful in creating a sober lifestyle.
Dr. Tucker added that the Pulaski County Family Treatment Court will address local needs of families that are battling the effects of substance abuse. She said the goal is to have temporary operational certification by this spring and be operational by March or April.
