§ 9-27-802 — Purpose and intent

(a) There is a critical need for judicial intervention and support for effective treatment programs that reduce the incidence of family separation due to substance use disorders and mental health disorders. (b) Family treatment specialty courts shall: (1) Use a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to serve families affected by substance use disorders and mental health disorders who are involved with the child welfare system; (2) Ensure that: (A) A participant is fully supported in his or her parenting roles; and (B) A child receives the necessary services and support to return to or remain with his or her parent, guardian, or custodian during the treatment and recovery process; (3) Provide: (A) A comprehensive array of clinical treatment and related support services that meet the needs of each member of the family rather than only the individual receiving care for a substance use disorder or mental health disorder; and (B) Services that address recovery, trauma, social, emotional, and development challenges; (4) Apply therapeutic responses to: (A) Improve parent, child, and family functioning; (B) Ensure children's safety, permanency, and well-being; (C) Support participant behavior change; and (D) Promote participant accountability; and (5) Include the following components: (A) Use of a non-adversarial, family-centered approach to improve family recovery, safety, and stability; (B) Protection of a participant's right to due process; (C) Reduction in the amount of time a child spends in an out-of-home placement; (D) Achievement of permanency more quickly; and (E) Reunification of families.

Legislative History

Added by Act 2023, No. 61,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.