N.C. Court Program Requires Drug Treatment November 15, 2002
News Summary
In one of the first initiatives of its kind in the United States, a court program in North Carolina makes alcohol and other drug addiction treatment mandatory for individuals who lose custody of their children, the Charlotte Observer reported Nov. 13.Called Families in Recovery to Stay Together (FIRST), the program begins in December in District Court in Mecklenburg, N.C.
"Our goal is to keep families together," said Chief District Judge Yvonne Mims Evans. "The only way we can do that is if we can provide a service to the parents to help keep them sober, healthy, and safe."
Under the program, drug screenings will be mandatory for parents involved in the estimated 1,300 abuse or neglect cases handled each year in Mecklenburg County. If drug use is found, treatment would be required. Those who refuse treatment can be jailed on contempt of court charges for up to 30 days.
According to county officials, about 80 percent of all child abuse and neglect cases involve parents with addictions.
"This is going to be a tremendous help for children and their families," said Grayce Crockett, Mecklenburg County's director of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance-abuse services.
The program represents a collaboration between the courts, area mental-health officials, and the Mecklenburg Department of Social Services. It is financed by the Governor's Crime Commission.
FIRST is modeled after a similar program in San Diego, Calif.
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