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Northeastern Judicial Circuit Treatment Services Family Treatment Court Participant Handbook

Hall County Treatment ServicesFamily Treatment CourtParticipant HandbookLast Revision: 1/9/2017

Northeastern Judicial Circuit

NAME:__________________________________________

Family Treatment Court

Participant Handbook


Table of ContentsCONTACT INFORMATION...........................................................................................2WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION.................................................................................4

MISSION STATEMENT AND PROGRAM GOALS.........................................................6INTRODUCTION AND PROGRAM OVERVIEW.............................................................6THE FAMILY TREATMENT COURT TEAM:................................................................8

JUDGE’S ROLE..................................................................................................8DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN SERVICES’ ROLE.................................9SPECIAL ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL’S ROLE.............................................9FAMILY TREATMENT COURT PARENT ATTORNEY................................................9COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE (CASA) REPRESENTATIVE..................10FAMILY TREATMENT COURT JUDICIAL CASE MANAGER.....................................10PROSECUTOR’S ROLE IN DRUG COURT TRANSFERS.........................................10PROBATION’S ROLE - SUPERIOR/STATE COURT TRANSFERS............................11LAW ENFORCEMENT’S ROLE...........................................................................11COORDINATOR’S ROLE....................................................................................11FTC CASE MANAGER’S ROLE.........................................................................12

POLICY AND PROCEDURE...................................................................................12DRUG SCREENING HOURS..................................................................................12WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DRUG SCREENING...........................................13

DRUG SCREENING POLICY AND PROCEDURE:..................................................14SUBSTITUTION OR ADULTERATION GUIDELINE..................................................15RELAPSE........................................................................................................15

TREATMENT FACILITY.........................................................................................16ASSIGNMENTS....................................................................................................19SANCTIONS........................................................................................................19

COMMUNITY SERVICE.....................................................................................20RESIDENCE/CURFEW..........................................................................................21EMPLOYMENT.....................................................................................................21TERMINATION.....................................................................................................22

TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS................................................................22TERMINATION FROM A RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITY................................22TERMINATION FROM FAMILY TREATMENT COURT..............................................22LEAVE REQUESTS...........................................................................................23NO FRATERNIZATION POLICY FOR ALL FAMILY TREATMENT COURT PARTICIPANTS25

Hall County Treatment ServicesFamily Treatment CourtParticipant handbookLast Revision: 1/9/2017

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EMERGENCY AFTER-HOURS CONTACT (404) 901-9618.....25FINANCES..........................................................................................................25

TREATMENT..........................................................................................................26GROUP RULES...................................................................................................26CONFIDENTIALITY...............................................................................................26

CONFIDENTIALITY IN STAFFING:.......................................................................26CONFIDENTIALITY IN COURT:...........................................................................27CONFIDENTIALITY IN TREATMENT:....................................................................27

ZERO TOLERANCE ALCOHOL POLICY...................................................................28COURTROOM BEHAVIOR.....................................................................................29

PROGRAM PHASES AND PROGRESSION..................................................................30ORIENTATION AND CBI/IOP PHASE 1..................................................................30

GOALS FOR THIS PHASE:.................................................................................30YOU WILL BE DOING THE FOLLOWING:..............................................................30REQUIREMENTS FOR ADVANCING TO CELEBRATING FAMILIES!:..........................30

CELEBRATING FAMILIES! PHASE 2.......................................................................31GOALS FOR THIS PHASE:.................................................................................31YOU WILL BE DOING THE FOLLOWING:..............................................................31REQUIREMENTS FOR ADVANCING TO STRENGTHENING FAMILIES:......................31GOALS FOR THIS PHASE:.................................................................................32YOU WILL BE DOING THE FOLLOWING:..............................................................32REQUIREMENTS FOR ADVANCING TO MAINTENANCE:.........................................32GOALS FOR THIS PHASE:.................................................................................33YOU WILL BE DOING THE FOLLOWING:..............................................................33REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMENCEMENT............................................................33

12 TRADITIONS......................................................................................................35RESOURCE DIRECTORY.........................................................................................38

Contact Information

This handbook belongs to:

__________________________________________________________


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My case manager is:

_________________________________________________________

My counselor is:

__________________________________________________________

Drug Screen Line: (678) 261-5872

Emergency On-Call Phone: (404) 901-9618

Fax: (770) 536-1023


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Welcome and IntroductionWelcome to the Hall County Family Treatment Court. You have made an important decision to seek recovery on behalf of yourself and your family. This handbook, along with the explanation of your attorney, will answer many of your questions about Family Treatment Court and will help you make good decisions as you begin your recovery from the abuse of alcohol or other drugs.

Our program is based on the belief that addiction is a chronic and potentially fatal disease creating one of the most serious health and legal problems in the United States today. This program is designed to improve the health of all participants by addressing the immediate symptoms of addiction providing you with education that will help you learn to live a healthier lifestyle. We are confident that the Family Treatment Court will increase your ability to make successful choices free of the influence of drugs or alcohol which will result in you being able to provide a stable, safe drug-free home for your children.

The Hall County Family Treatment Court will utilize the Judge and others in the legal system along with community-based resources to provide the best chance for your family to stay together and be healthy. The Hall County Family Treatment Court works to provide participants the tools for a sober life and ability to be successful in the most important role of Parent.

Ultimately, your success will be directly related to the choices you make. Change can occur only if you are willing to take responsibility for your actions. The choice you have made to volunteer for Family Treatment Court demonstrates that you are ready to take responsibility and shows great hope for the future. Congratulations for being willing to do what it takes to become the best parent you can be for the sake of your family.


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We welcome you to Hall County Family Treatment Court!

“Substance abuse and addiction are the primary causes of the dramatic rise in child

abuse, neglect, and the immeasurable increase in the complexity of cases.Children of

alcoholics/addicts surviving abuse or neglect may be angry, antisocial, physically

aggressive, and violent. They often perform poorly in school and engage in delinquent

or criminal behavior. Consequences can include low self-esteem, depression,

hopelessness, suicide, and self-mutilation. They have a tendency to behave

compulsively, suffer panic attacks, are highly distrustful of others, tend toward

dangerous play and sexual promiscuity. They are at high risk of developing their own

substance abuse and likely to repeat the cycle of abuse and neglect.”

- Source: No Safe Haven: Children of Substance-Abusing Parents

National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at

Columbia University, January, 1999.

Congratulations in choosing to make a positive difference in your child’s life!


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Mission Statement and Program GoalsThe Hall County Family Treatment Court will provide timely comprehensive services to substance abusing parents who have lost or are at risk of losing custody of their children or whose substance abuse has had a direct, negative impact on their children.

Parents will participate in intensive long-term treatment coupled with accountability through frequent court appearances and observed random drug screenings in order to ensure that their children will achieve timely permanency.

This program will break the cycle of addiction, allow children to live safely in their home, reduce recidivism, empower parents to successfully address other issues affecting child wellbeing, and build a foundation for a sober and healthy family environment.

Introduction and Program OverviewThe Hall County Family Treatment Court was organized in January 2006 under the direction of Juvenile Court Judge Cliff Jolliff.

The Court is a partnership among the Family Treatment Court Judge, Department of Family and Children Services and their attorney, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), AVITA Community Partners, Family Treatment Court Team, Family Treatment Court Parent Attorney, Law Enforcement, Northeastern Judicial Circuit Treatment Services, and the Juvenile Court Clerk’s staff.

The outpatient program will take a minimum of 18 months and encompasses parenting skills, family, vocational, educational, and spiritual components in conjunction with providing substance abuse treatment. (In some instances detox and/or residential treatment may be necessary). Regular court appearances as well as random and frequent drug screens, breathalyzer testing, and unannounced home visits will occur throughout the program until graduation. Employment (28 hours/week) or a combination of school attendance and employment are required for the duration of the program. There is a $30 monthly program fee which is payable to Hall County Treatment Services.

Intensive outpatient treatment will be provided by AVITA Community Partners. Initial treatment sessions will focus on addiction and recovery using the Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CBI), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Seeking Safety, Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model (TREM) and Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) Treatment curriculum. These courses not only educate on addiction but also focus and challenge the way we think and act, thus increasing the chance of long-term recovery.


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Other classes may be required as deemed appropriate by treatment. Participants will be given a treatment schedule. Participants will attend court a minimum of two Wednesday afternoons each month at 1:30 p.m. as well as two self-help meetings each week. Employment must be secured within 60 days, or 8 weeks, of entry into the program.

Following CBI/IOP, participants will progress to Celebrating Families (CF) while continuing Wednesday afternoon MRT. CF groups are Thursdays (5:30-8:00 p.m.) and will focus on increasing participants’ knowledge and use of healthy living skills. Thursday groups are for you, your children, and other family members living in your home. Children aged 5 and over will be in age-appropriate treatment sessions during the same hours as adults. Each session begins with a family meal. A trauma group and/or budgeting class may also be required. Participants are required to attend Two self-help meetings weekly are required as well as one pro-social activity in addition to two court appearances per month and work and/or school. Celebrating Families will last a minimum of 16 weeks.

Strengthening Families is the final curriculum-based portion of Family Treatment Court. This is a family-focused program designed for high-risk families. Your children will attend with you, as well as other adult family members. Children will participate in age-appropriate discussions and activities while you continue to learn strong, healthy parental behaviors. Groups will be Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Two self-help meetings weekly are required as well as one pro-social activity, two monthly court appearances and work or school. Strengthening Families will last a minimum of 14 weeks.

The final portion of Family Treatment Court is Maintenance which is a minimum of 6 months. During this phase you will be demonstrating the new behaviors you’ve learned as you attend 2 self-help meetings weekly, serve as a mentor to one fellow FTC participant, appear in court once a month, and give 24 hours of public service to the community.

Commencement: Ceremonies are held for participants who successfully complete Family Treatment Court. This is a very special day for the participant and their family members. Public recognition and congratulations from the Judge and other officials highlight an event that includes a reception and certificate of completion in honor of each participant’s hard work and dedication to achieving a drug-free life. Graduation ceremonies are held every other month as indicated on the FTC calendar.


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The Family Treatment Court Team:Judge’s RoleThe Family Treatment Court Judge has knowledge of the impact of substance abuse on the court system, the lives of participants, their families, and the entire community. She sees the devastation daily that a life of substance abuse brings to families – especially the children! Through your active participation in Family Treatment Court, you can turn the corner and move beyond the sadness and despair that such a life brings.

As opposed to traditional court settings and roles, the Family Treatment Court Judge develops a personal, working relationship with each participant while monitoring each person’s progress. No one, other than your children and your family, wants to see you succeed more than the Judge!

The Judge has many responsibilities beyond Family Treatment Court; therefore, her time is limited. Direct contact with the Judge and her office should be avoided beyond the courtroom setting. Although the Judge is on your side in hopes of a successful recovery, she is not your case manager, personal attorney, or your legal advisor. The Judge attends non-court meetings such as staffing to review weekly progress and to determine appropriate, effective sanctions for program violations as well as incentives for continued compliance.

During the staffing prior to your court hearing, the Judge will be given a report detailing how you’ve progressed in the program since the last time you were in court. This progress report will include your drug testing results, attendance, participation and cooperation in the treatment program, as well as employment or other requirements that may have been imposed. The Judge will also be given information about your children such as school and/or medical reports. When you are before the Judge in the courtroom, she will likely ask questions about your progress and discuss any problems you may be having. If you are doing well, you may be rewarded with incentives. If there is a lack of progress, the Judge will discuss this with you and determine what action, or sanction, might need to be taken to help you stay focused and remember your goals in the program.

When you are addressed by the Judge in court, you should stand and respond respectfully. For example, “Yes” and “No” or “Yes, ma’am” and “No, ma’am” are appropriate. Speak clearly and directly to the bench and remain standing until dismissed.

Life is a series of choices. Today is the first day of the rest of your life.Congratulations on making the best choice for your family!


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Department of Family and Children Services’ RoleDepartment of Family and Children Services (DFCS) Representatives are primarily responsible for the wellbeing of the children and are a key part of successful collaboration among all Family Treatment Court agencies. Child welfare agencies and practitioners are responsible for protecting children’s health and safety, advocating on behalf of the children’s best interests and ensuring that children and their parents receive necessary services in addition to substance abuse treatment. They are the primary “gatekeeper” of the Family Treatment Court process. They will be initially responsible for identifying and referring potential participants to the Family Treatment Court Program.

During the staffing prior to your court hearing, the DFCS representative will provide relevant information regarding your case compliance and your children’s needs. They will do so by providing information such as visitation reports, services provided to you outside the Family Treatment Court Program, issues that might be of concern, and reunification timelines, as well as addressing your needs.

The DFCS representative might also refer you to community programs outside Family Treatment Court that can provide you with services that are not provided by the substance abuse treatment provider. These services might include assistance with housing, childcare, counseling, food, and more.

Special Assistant Attorney General’s RoleThe Special Assistant Attorney General (SAAG) is the attorney who is responsible for bringing dependency cases to formal court. The SAAG is the legal representative for the Department of Family and Children Services. The SAAG attends all required hearings and will prepare and file necessary pleadings to give the court jurisdiction over the parent and children for Family Treatment Court. The SAAG attends all FTC staffing sessions and court sessions.

Family Treatment Court Parent AttorneyThe Parent Attorney ensures that your rights as the parent(s) are given consideration by the Family Treatment Court. They will advise you of the potential benefits and consequences of volunteering to participate in Family Treatment Court. Once the decision has been made to offer Family Treatment Court to you, the Parent Attorney will typically meet with you, the parent, to discuss the program. Should you choose to participate, the Parent Attorney will handle all the legal requirements for admission into the Family Treatment Court program (such as handling the signing of necessary Hall County Treatment ServicesFamily Treatment CourtParticipant handbookLast Revision: 1/9/2017

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releases of information, waivers, notices, and the Family Treatment Court Contract). Once you have made the decision to enter the Family Treatment Court program, the Parent Attorney will become your advocate and support in meeting the Family Treatment Court orders. Once you choose the goal of recovery, the Family Treatment Court will encourage you to reach your goals and manage the sanctions that you may incur along the way. The Parent Attorney will advocate for sanctions and incentives that are reasonable, effective, and appropriate. Additionally, the Parent Attorney may advocate for increased visitations and the return of the child(ren), when deemed appropriate and safe to do so.

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) RepresentativeThe Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is there to provide a voice for the children and assist in the investigation, facilitation, and problem solving of Family Treatment Court cases. CASA will bring an attention and focus to the needs of the child(ren). CASA will report the facts of their investigations and visits to the Family Treatment Court team.

The CASA representative will visit with your child regularly and maintain regular contact with any treatment provider the child(ren) might be seeing. The CASA representative will make home visits to monitor parents’ compliance with court orders and may perform home evaluations, when needed. CASA and DFCS will work together as a team to regularly visit with your child in order to ensure their wellbeing. The wellbeing of your child is the number focus of CASA, and they will make recommendations based on the best interests of your child.

Family Treatment Court Judicial Case ManagerThe Family Treatment Court Judicial Case Manager (Deprivation Deputy Clerk) calendars Family Treatment Court cases and keeps the team aware of time and calendar constraints. The Family Treatment Court Judicial Case Manager is also responsible for monitoring the need for extra additional calendar time as the capacity of the program increases. This person will maintain the file to insure that all required orders have been filed with the Clerk of the Court and all case expiration dates are monitored.

Prosecutor’s Role in Drug Court TransfersFor those parents who are transferred to FTC from Drug Court, without the District Attorney’s cooperation, you could not be offered the opportunity to participate in the Hall County Treatment ServicesFamily Treatment CourtParticipant handbookLast Revision: 1/9/2017

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Family Treatment Court Program and eventually have your charges dismissed. The Family Treatment Court Prosecutor has many responsibilities to the Family Treatment Court. While in the courtroom, the Prosecutor ensures that each eligible offender is offered the option of Family Treatment Court. Further, the Prosecutor presents each case to the Judge and facilitates entry into the Family Treatment Court Program, if appropriate. The Prosecutor attends staff meetings to discuss possible candidates for the Program and to determine appropriate sanctions and incentives for current participants. Such determinations are made using knowledge of addiction, relapse, and other factors (i.e., criminal history, gender, age, and culture) that may impact a participant’s success. Another role of the Prosecutor is to contribute to efforts in community education and acquisition of community resources to aid the Program. The Prosecutor educates peers, colleagues, and judiciary on the effectiveness of Family Treatment Courts. During your participation in the Program, it is not appropriate to seek legal counsel from the staff of the District Attorney’s Office. In the event that you are terminated from the Family Treatment Court, the Prosecutor will make recommendations to the Court regarding your sentencing.

Probation’s Role - Superior/State Court TransfersWithout the support of felony/misdemeanor Probation, you would not have this opportunity to participate in the Family Treatment Court. They have recommended that you receive treatment, not jail. Probation provides accountability for your participation in this Program through weekly staff meetings and recommendations. They will also provide Fourth Amendment searches as needed. Your total honesty and cooperation with your Probation Officer is essential to compliance with this Program.

Law Enforcement’s RoleLaw Enforcement provides accountability for Program participants through their attendance at status review meetings and court sessions and by conducting random searches of participants’ homes and person. For many, this will be the first positive interaction with law enforcement representatives, and one of the Program’s goals is to build positive rapport between the Sheriff’s Office and participants.

Coordinator’s RoleThe Coordinator provides program oversight for the day-to-day operations of Family Treatment Court. He/She serves as the primary administrator of all Family Treatment Court operations and processes determining case flow, treatment planning, referrals, placements, and participant progress, while also providing professional guidance and support to the Family Treatment Court staff. The Coordinator maintains program


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integrity and is responsible for ensuring long-term sustainability by presenting the benefits of the Program to partnering organizations and community stakeholders. FTC Case Manager’s RoleAs the Case Manager is responsible for the tracking of participant progress, data collection, data dissemination, and maintenance of all spreadsheets, he/she is your initial go-to person in regards to address changes, employment updates, fee payments, community-service hours worked, leave requests, and all other non-counseling related matters. If the Case Manager is not the right person to answer your question or help you with a particular matter, he/she will direct you to the appropriate person.

Drug Testing

Policy and ProcedureFor the duration of your participation in the Family Treatment Court Program, it is your responsibility to check daily to see if you are required to drug test that day. Drug testing is performed on a random basis; however, a breath or urine specimen may be required at any time. In the event that, for any reason, you cannot access this information by phone, it is your responsibility to report to the treatment center during scheduled drug testing hours. The phone line is accessible each day beginning at 5:00 a.m. The phone number for drug testing information is (678) 261-5872. Screening information can also be accessed at https://doi.testday.com.If you access screening information on-line, you will be prompted to enter a personal identification number (PIN). The Hall County PIN is 1370. You will also be asked to enter your ID number which is your Social Security Number. All calls and Internet logins will be recorded in the Test Day System.

Participants are required to have a photo ID to screen. Treatment Services ID cards will be provided at no charge for the first card. This ID should be used to drug screen every time. If you lose your card, another card can be issued for a charge of $15.

Drug Screening Hours Mon 7-7:45 am 9-11:00 am 12-1:00 pm 2-4:00 pm 5-6:15 pm

Tues 7-7:45 am 9-11:00 am 12-1:00 pm 2-4:00 pm 5-6:15 pm

Wed 7-7:45 am 9-11:00 am 12-1:00 pm 2-4:00 pm 5-6:15 pm

Thurs 7-7:45 am 9-11:00 am 12-1:00 pm 2-4:00 pm 5-6:15 pm

Fri 7-7:45 am 9-11:00 am 12-1:00 pm 2-4:00 pm 5-6:15 pm

Sat 7:00-11:30 am ONLYHall County Treatment ServicesFamily Treatment CourtParticipant handbookLast Revision: 1/9/2017

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https://doi.testday.com/


Sunday 7:00-11:30 am ONLYHoliday Hours

7:00-11:30 am ONLY

2018 Holiday Drug Screening ScheduleJanuary 2, 2018 New Year's DayJanuary 16, 2018 Martin Luther King DayMay 29, 2018 Memorial DayJuly 4, 2018 Independence DaySeptember 4, 2018 Labor DayNovember 23, 2018 Thanksgiving DayNovember 24, 2018 Hall County HolidayDecember 22, 2018 Hall County HolidayDecember 25, 2018 Christmas Day

Early Screens: Participants must be in line by 7:45 a.m. to be allowed to screen.

Mid-day Screens: Participants must be in line by 10:45 a.m. to be allowed to screen.

Lunch Screens: Participants must be in line by 12:45 p.m. to be allowed to screen.

Late Screens: Participants must be in line by 6:15 p.m. to be allowed to screen.

Weekend Screens: Participants must be in line by 10:30 a.m. to be allowed to screen.

Holiday Screens: Participants must be in line by 10:30 a.m. to be allowed to screen.

What you should know about Drug ScreeningTesting is performed at Treatment Services at 2318 Browns Bridge Road daily. Your treatment provider may test you at any time or location outside of the regular screening window.

Screening is random and can be up to seven times per week in all phases. It is a requirement that a person submit a drug screen upon request of any staff member or it will be considered a missed screen for sanctioning purposes. It is a requirement that each person submit a valid, non-dilute test. It is your responsibility to provide a valid sample. The best way to do this is to drink a minimal amount (a maximum of eight ounces of fluid every 30 minutes for at least two hours prior to the screen).


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The most common way for participants to attempt to beat a drug screen is by flushing with fluids. Almost all of the substances that claim to help you beat screens require this and that is why we require that you be responsible for providing a valid specimen. If it is determined that you have tampered with a screen or that you are providing a replacement sample, you will face termination from the program.

If you have a screen which indicates you have a creatinine level below 20 mg/dL, you will be sanctioned for a dilute screen in court. Please ask your case manager or treatment staff for tips on how to avoid diluted screens as they could eventually lead to a jail sanction.

If drug testing officers do not show up, you must make sure the treatment team has your name on an a.m. testing roster to be excused from the p.m. testing time. If you did not sign a roster, you will be expected to test during the p.m. testing time on the same day. Failure to do so will result as a missed screen.

Drug Screening Policy and Procedure: 1. Only one participant is allowed in the testing area at a time. A staff member must

accompany you at all times during drug testing.2. You must make sure that your name, the date, and time are written or labeled on

your specimen bottle.3. You must indicate an admission or denial of alcohol or drug use and grant

permission for confirmation of results, if appropriate. *Honesty is a crucial component for recovery and participation in the Hall County Family Treatment Program. Self-disclosure of use will be considered by the court when sanctions are imposed.*

4. You must admit at every drug screen if you have taken any medication (prescription or over the counter) since your last drug screen.

5. You will not be allowed to leave the testing area or to drink excessive fluids until a specimen is rendered.

6. A like-gendered staff member must always witness the sample being given.7. You may not carry purses, coats, bags, etc. into the testing area.8. Shirt sleeves should be rolled up to the elbow, and you may be requested to remove

additional clothing to ensure the validity of a specimen.9. You must provide the required amount for your specimen to be considered valid. 10.Dress code for drug screens is the same as dress code for the courtroom! 11.Smoking is allowed in designated areas only on the property of 2318 Browns Bridge

Road!


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12.No children are allowed in the building on Browns Bridge Road!

If a drug screen is positive and confirmation is requested by the participant, the specimen will be tested again. If the contested specimen is confirmed positive by an outside laboratory, a $25 confirmation fee will be due immediately upon receiving confirmed results.

You may not be able to stop using drugs immediately and recovery may not occur overnight. However, all use of illegal drugs will be sanctioned. This is not intended as punishment but to encourage sobriety. Thus, the ultimate goal of drug testing is to provide accountability and confirmation of an individual’s progress toward recovery.

If you are required to be in an environment (school, work, training, etc.) that exposes you to or requires that you use or handle hygiene or other products with a high alcohol content, it is your responsibility to let us know immediately. If you do miss a drug screen or cannot provide a drug screen that day, you must report for a mandatory screen on the next screening day during the morning testing time. Failure to report during the next morning testing time will result in another missed screen for sanction purposes.

If you have difficulty providing random urine specimens, you may consult with your counselor about being placed on a daily screening schedule.

If you are placed on a daily screening schedule, it is your responsibility to report to drug screens during the specified screening hours each day to provide a sample.

You must be punctual and prepared to submit a specimen during the specified hours. Late arrivals will not be allowed to test, and the failure to submit a specimen will be considered a missed screen. Tampering with or diluting a drug screen can be grounds for termination from the Family Treatment Court Program.

Substitution or Adulteration GuidelineAny participant, who brings in urine to a drug screen, possesses or distributes urine with intent to provide to another participant, or uses to substitute in a drug screen will be presumed to be terminated. Adulteration of a drug screen will not be tolerated.

RelapseRelapse is a possibility no matter how long you have been clean and sober. Relapse is the process of returning to the use of alcohol and/or drugs after quitting. Once in recovery, most alcoholics and addicts begin to notice stressors, patterns, triggers, or warning signs that lead to relapse. Relapse warning signs involve your behavior, thinking patterns, attitude, feelings, or a combination of all four.

Addicts tend to see relapses as “letting their guard down” or “an impulsive act”. However, this is not true. Stress, coping skills, or the lack thereof, addictive thinking, and criminal thinking all play a pivotal role in relapse behavior. Relapse is the final result


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of a chain of events that starts days, weeks, or months in advance of an actual relapse. Thus, it is imperative for you to develop a relapse prevention plan to address relapse triggers and relapse behavior.

You will learn in the Family Treatment Court Program that cross addiction is real. Many of you were already addicted to more than one substance when you started Family Treatment Court but only had one “favorite” substance. You will find it quite easy to change from one mood-altering substance to another and continue to be addicted. As long as you continue to manipulate your mood with a substance rather than new thoughts and new activities, you will remain cross-addicted and actively ill.

Program Guidelines

Treatment FacilityAll Family Treatment Court activities and locations are an extension of the Northeastern Judicial Circuit. Your behavior should reflect that understanding at all times. This includes the treatment facility, parking lot, all contracted treatment locations, community service sites, special events, and any other function associated with Family Treatment Court activity. Please do not report to these locations more than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time. If you desire to vary from the scheduled Treatment Center office hours, you must call ahead to arrange an appointment with your case manager. All violations of program rules can result in sanctions and/or new criminal charges. The staff members of the Family Treatment Court are officers of the Court, and you are expected to follow their instructions.

1. No alcohol, drugs, weapons, or pocket knives will be brought to the facility.2. Groups will begin on time! You must be punctual, as tardiness will result in

sanctions. You must attend and participate in the full session to receive credit. 3. Confidentiality is a must. What is said here stays here! There will be stiff

consequences to any violation to this rule.4. Free expression of your thoughts and feelings is encouraged; however, violence,

threats, or intimidation will not be tolerated. 5. Use of profanity is not acceptable.6. Leave group only in an emergency after notifying a Family Treatment Court Staff

member.7. No cell phones will be allowed in the treatment center, court, or groups.


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8. Medication that is brought into the facility must be in approved containers and checked in upon arrival. Non-prescribed narcotics and other addictive drugs are not permitted on the property.

9. Smoking is not permitted in or around the treatment facility property. Smoking is permitted in your parked car or designated areas.

10.Dress code: No tank tops, low-cut blouses which expose cleavage, see-through shirts, sleeveless shirts, sunglasses, or short shorts (shorts higher than six inches above your knee). Clothing must cover all undergarments. No clothing advertising alcohol or drugs is permitted. Remove hats while inside the building.

11.Children are not allowed in the treatment center.12.No visitors are allowed. You will be notified of scheduled exceptions to this rule.

This includes children and pets. 13.Pairing up with another Family Treatment Court participant for an intimate

relationship is strictly prohibited. Intimacy is defined as sexual, dating, and any relationship other than a friendship. (One of the most common ways people lose focus on their own recovery is when they focus on another person. There are many issues to deal with and work through in treatment; our goal is to maintain a safe, recovery environment that promotes healthy relationships. The person that you are when you enter the Program is not going to be the person that you become. To enter a relationship with another participant causes you to lose focus on your recovery and them to lose focus on theirs. It creates difficulty when the relationship invariably breaks up as the two people grow emotionally as well and then have to be around each other in treatment. Keep your focus on your recovery and do not substitute relationships for your drug of choice.)

14.No littering in parking lot or in the building. You must be responsible for assisting in maintaining the cleanliness of the building.

15.Destroying or defacing any treatment center property will lead to sanctions.16. If you are on curfew, you must be at your residence at your current phase curfew

hours, unless you have filed for a curfew extension. This will allow you to extend your curfew for work-related reasons or to attend a self-help meeting.

17.Participation is crucial to recovery! Be aware that you influence other members and you can be either a positive or negative influence in their recovery process. Being consistently disrespectful and distracting from the group will lead to sanctions.

18.Come to group prepared and ready to participate. Have all necessary materials with you, not doing so will impede the process of the group and will result in sanctions.


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Materials

During your participation in the Family Treatment Court program, materials will be provided to you at no cost. This includes a binder, homework, and a MRT book. If you lose your MRT book, you are able to get a replacement at Treatment Services for the cost of $25.

AssignmentsYou will be given a variety of assignments while in treatment. Our expectation is that you will apply yourself to the best of your ability. Assignments that show little or no effort will not be accepted and you will be required to complete the assignment again. Continued lack of effort will be sanctioned by the Judge.

SanctionsOf course your goal is to have no sanctions, or negative consequences, and the best way to go about achieving that goal is to pay attention to the program rules and expectations from the start. You will find those participants who attempt to “play games” with the program will eventually lose and losing has severe consequences in this program. It is far better to learn how to be successful rather than how much you can get away with!

If, however, a sanction is necessary the Judge will impose it swiftly upon violation of the program rules. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, community service, increased drug testing, 90-day curfew, repeating parts of the program or slower program progression, increased court appearances, written work, jail time, and/or termination from the program.

In the event that jail time is required for your program violations, you must make sure that childcare is not an issue. (You will develop a childcare action plan upon entering Family Treatment Court which must be approved by court staff.) Required medications should be in your possession when you come to court so you may continue taking while in jail. Vehicles are not to be left unattended while you are incarcerated.

You can be sanctioned for the following behaviors:

New drug or alcohol use Altered or diluted drug screen Failure to take a scheduled urine test Lack of employment Bad attitude Missed visitation with children


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Lack of engagement/involvement in recovery New criminal charges or civil proceedings Missed treatment, curfew, self-help meetings, or community service; Late

program fees Lying Missed community service Failure to pay program fees Other non-compliance issues

***Unexcused absences from court will result in a bench warrant for the participant’s arrest***

A “Time Out Package” will be provided to you prior to any incarceration, and all jail sanctions initially include additional community service requirements. The “Time Out Package” provides you an opportunity to process the circumstances surrounding your sanction and to develop an acceptable plan to avoid future jail sanctions and strengthen your recovery. This document is to be completed while in custody and promptly submitted to your case manager upon your release. If it is determined that you have used this opportunity satisfactorily, the Judge can waive the additional community service requirements.

Community Service will be performed only at court-approved organizations. Your punctuality, attitude, appearance, and performance at your designated work site will be considered a direct reflection of the program and the court. Only the highest standards of behavior will be tolerated. Community service must be scheduled through the Family Treatment Court Case Manager on the court date it is imposed. All hours must be completed prior to the next Family Treatment Court session. Failure to report for community service will result in doubling the sanction and/or a jail sanction.

A “broom award” may be given by any Treatment Services staff member for minor program violations. It is the participant’s responsibility to arrange a time with the Coordinator to render this service prior to your next court session. Failure to complete a “broom award” will result in a community service sanction.


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Residence/CurfewUpon entering into the Program, you will be expected to have a Hall County residence. If you do not live in Hall County, you will have 30 days to move into the County before receiving a sanction. You are also not allowed to live with any convicted felons or any other participants in the Family Treatment Court or any accountability court program unless given permission by FTC staff. You may not possess any alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia, or weapons in the home. It is your responsibility to notify your Coordinator if there are any prescription medications belonging to someone else in the home. Failure to notify your Coordinator will result in a sanction.

You must be home by your current phase curfew, unless you have an approved curfew extension. Curfew extensions are for work and support groups only. Curfew extension requests are due on Thursday by 8:00 p.m. the week before the curfew extension is needed. Please be advised that your person, residence, or vehicle is subject to search at any time by Community Policing officers or Probation officers. You must contact your Coordinator immediately if you have any curfew or residence violations. The curfew for participants will be as follows:

Phase 1 8:00 p.m. - 5:00 amPhase 2 10:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.Phase 3 12:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m.Phase 4 No Curfew

EmploymentParticipants are required to work, attend school, or a combination of the two, for a total of 28 hours per week. (Exceptions may be made by the FTC team for full-time parents who have preschool children in their custody and are not the primary income producer in the household.) A three-week grace period will be given upon entry into FTC for independent job search. If after 21 days, employment has not been secured, the participant must participate in daily Family Treatment Court Job Search or enroll and be actively working with an approved job placement agency. Sanctions for lack of employment will begin at 6 weeks from program entry. If employment ends for any reason while in FTC, sanctions for lack of employment will begin at 2 weeks after unemployment begins. Quitting a job prior to having another job secured is highly discouraged. Verification of employment is required by the FTC team and is due by the first of the month.

If a participant is disabled and cannot work, appropriate documentation supporting the disability must be provided to the FTC Coordinator. If documentation is acceptable to Hall County Treatment ServicesFamily Treatment CourtParticipant handbookLast Revision: 1/9/2017

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the FTC team, a written proposal detailing a plan to account for his/her time must be submitted and approved by the FTC team. Third-shift jobs and jobs in any store which sells packaged alcohol are strongly discouraged and require permission from the FTC team. If a job is found to jeopardize a participant’s recovery in any way, or if numerous infractions occur even if not directly related to the participant’s job, the FTC team reserves the right to have the participant seek employment elsewhere.

Termination

Termination of Parental RightsHall County Family Treatment Court will not accept voluntary surrender of parental rights. If a parent consents to Termination of Parental Rights, (TPR), the parent must:

Meet individually with treatment provider Meet with the Parent Attorney

Termination from a Residential Treatment FacilityIt is the responsibility of the participant to notify the FTC Coordinator at 770-718-5710 if terminated from a residential treatment facility. If termination occurs outside of business hours, the participant is required to call the Family Treatment Court emergency cell phone. If there is no answer, leave your name, phone number, and your location. Your call will be returned as quickly as possible.

Termination from Family Treatment CourtThough the Court helps every participating family with maintaining the children in the home or with achieving reunification and successful completion of the program, it also has an obligation to ensure permanent homes for children in a timely fashion. If you have not complied with treatment and the treatment court program, you may be terminated from the Hall County Family Treatment Court and returned to the deprivation track with a DFCS case plan and requirements. Alternative permanency plans would likely be developed for your children. These alternative permanency plans may include termination of parental rights. If a parent fails to comply with conditions set forth by Family Treatment Court for reunification, the Department of Family and Children Services can petition for the termination of that parent’s rights. When parental rights are terminated, the parent loses all legal responsibility and rights regarding the child. Once parental rights have been terminated, the child may be put up for adoption or placed in the permanent custody of relatives.

The Hall County Family Treatment Court is committed to giving participants the opportunity to learn to become drug free. Your continued participation in this program depends on your compliance with all program guidelines and regulations.


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If you are a transfer from Drug Court, Superior Court, or State Court and are terminated from Family Treatment Court, please note that your case will be sent back to your court of origin for probation revocation or sentencing.

Attendance

As a participant in the Hall County Family Treatment Court, you are required to attend all meetings as assigned. Failure to attend will result in progressive sanctions. Special requests to be excused from meetings must be approved by the Family Treatment Court Judge and/or the Treatment Court Team.The following procedure must be followed:

You must submit a request to be absent a minimum of two weeks in advance to the treatment staff.

The request must have verified documentation attached (for example: doctor, school, or work letterhead explaining the situation and signed by a person in authority—including a phone number)

The Family Treatment Court staff will screen requests and only if they are recommended will they be presented to the Judge for consideration.

The Family Treatment Court Judge will inform you Wednesday afternoon of her decision. If you are not scheduled to be in court on that date, the decision will be shared with you by the Coordinator.

Only legitimate requests will be considered. Birthdays, anniversaries, vacations, concerts, etc. are not legitimate requests!

Medical leave will be considered in approved situations with appropriate documentation and releases. Two-weeks’ maternity leave is granted for women from the date of delivery.

Leave RequestsEmergency LeaveIn the event of a sudden illness, accident, and/or death of immediate family during business hours (Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), you must contact the Family Treatment Court Coordinator at 770-718-5710. If you are unable to reach the Coordinator or Case Manager, you must then call your treatment counselor. After hours, you must call the emergency cell phone number and detail your emergency situation. A decision will be made at that time to allow an emergency leave. Day or night, you must speak with either the Family Treatment Program Coordinator or your treatment provider before missing any requirements! If the approved leave allows you to be out of town, you will be required to submit to a drug screen prior to leaving town and immediately Hall County Treatment ServicesFamily Treatment CourtParticipant handbookLast Revision: 1/9/2017

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upon your required return. Immediate family includes spouse, children, siblings, parents, and grandparents only. If you are granted a leave to attend a funeral, you must provide details of the funeral arrangements as well as turning in a program from the funeral upon your return. You may be required to attend self-help meetings while out of town. You will be required to stay in daily contact with your treatment provider while out of town.

Sick LeaveIt is important to understand your attendance is mandatory at all Family Treatment Court requirements. Simply “not feeling good” or being tired is not an excuse for missing requirements. In the event of sudden illness that you feel leaves you incapable of attending any FTC requirement other than treatment, you must call the FTC Coordinator to be excused. If you are too ill to attend a treatment session, you must contact your Treatment Provider to be excused. An absence due to illness will not be excused unless you speak with either the FTC Coordinator or your treatment provider prior to the absence. Only one day will be excused without a doctor’s note. The second absence for the same illness will require written documentation from a doctor with a diagnosis or treatment provided. You will be required to report for a drug screen the day after any absences due to illness regardless if you were called in to screen or not.An excused absence means you will not be sanctioned for the absence. However, all absences (whether they are excused or not) are to be made up. This includes treatment sessions, self-help meetings, community service, or any other missed event. The FTC Coordinator and your treatment provider will work with you in arranging your make-up schedule.

Program Leave During FTCParticipants who have progressed to the final Maintenance phase of Family Treatment Court are allowed one 5-day leave during Maintenance. Requests must be submitted in writing to the FTC Case Manager or Coordinator two weeks prior to the desired leave time with the specific dates of the desired leave. A decision to allow the leave will be based upon recent participant progress, program participation, and sanction history. Leave will not be given to anyone on curfew. You are not permitted to take leave until your request has been approved. The leave may not be taken during the last month of Maintenance prior to graduation. A drug screen is required the day prior to the leave beginning and during the morning screening hours on the first day after your leave ends. While on leave you are relieved from your FTC requirements, but we highly encourage you to continue with your self-help meeting attendance.

Phase 3 participants may be eligible for 3 days of leave depending on their status in the program. These participants must be current with fees, employed, and without a drug screening violation for a minimum of 60 days. A drug screen will be required the day


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prior to the leave and on the first day after the leave ends. Please note, the leave will be at the discretion of the FTC team.

No Fraternization Policy for All Family Treatment Court ParticipantsPairing up with another Family Treatment Court participant or any other accountability court participant (DUI Court, Drug Court, HELP Court, Veterans Court, or Parent Accountability Court) for an intimate relationship is strictly prohibited. Intimacy is defined as sexual, dating, and any relationship other than a friendship.

Emergency After-Hours Contact (404) 901-9618 This number is only to be used for the following scenarios:

1. To get approval for prescription medications or personal medical emergencies (after regular business hours only)

2. Family emergencies that require permission to travel (A family emergency in this case is defined as hospitalization, critical care, or death of spouse or immediate family member(s) to include the following: mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter, grandparents, mother-in-law, and father-in-law only).

3. Court orders to be released from jail that should be resolved on the weekend when no order is showing on file at the Sheriff’s Office

4. Termination from a residential facility5. Emergencies that require curfew extensions or approval to temporarily stay at an

alternate residence

If someone calls the line on your behalf, it will be treated as though you called the line. An appropriate sanction will be given at the team’s discretion for misusing this phone number. Leave your name and number on the message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Contact with Law EnforcementPlease note that you have any contact with law enforcement, you are required to report that contact immediately to the Coordinator. Contact with law enforcement could include traffic tickets, domestic disputes where law enforcement is called, and new arrests. Sanctions could be given under certain circumstances depending on the reason for the contact. Failure to report contact with law enforcement could result in a sanction as well.

FinancesThroughout your attendance in the Family Treatment Court Program, you are required to contribute financially through program fees. Participants are charged $30 per month


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for program fees. These fees are to be paid by money order to Hall County Family Treatment Court and are due at the first of the month. Failure to pay fees in a timely manner could result in sanctioning. For every week that goes by without payment, a sanction could potentially be added. Please note, there could be special circumstances where fees would be paid to Avita Community Partners, but these situations are rare and participants would be told ahead of time. If you cannot meet your financial obligations, it is your responsibility to discuss your situation with your coordinator or case manager to develop a solution.

TreatmentGroup Rules

1. Maintain the confidentiality of everyone in the group. This cannot be emphasized enough! You can tell anyone you want to what you say or do in group but not what others say or do.

2. Do not get up to leave until excused by staff.3. Be respectful and attentive to peers.4. Speak one at a time and listen when others are sharing. “Side conversations” are

prohibited.5. No threats or intimidation at any level will be tolerated.6. Do not get up and move about during group.7. Bad attitude and lack of participation will result in your being asked to leave the

group resulting in a sanction for missing group.8. Maintain eye-to-eye contact with group leaders.9. Keep nothing in your hands or lap during group.10.Eating or drinking is not permitted in group unless it is related to group activity.

No chewing gum is permitted.11.Phones are not to be used at any time during group.

ConfidentialityThe Family Treatment Court has developed policies and procedures to guard your privacy. To participate in this treatment program, you will be required to sign Release of Information forms, which will include Consent for Disclosure of Confidential Substance Abuse Information for your treatment providers and the Judiciary. This disclosure of information is for the sole purpose of hearings and reports concerning your FTC case and for collaboration with other providers regarding your treatment.

Confidentiality in Staffing: As described earlier in this handbook, the Family Treatment Court team will meet prior to court to discuss your progress, at a meeting called a staffing. This does not mean that the court personnel will learn about your private discussions during treatment sessions. Rather, the staffing team will learn more general information, such as whether you are participating and/or progressing. Hall County Treatment ServicesFamily Treatment CourtParticipant handbookLast Revision: 1/9/2017

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Confidentiality in Court: Please remember that the courtroom is a public place. Therefore, you will never be asked in open court to disclose any medical diagnosis, medications, or personal information discussed in treatment groups.

Confidentiality in Treatment: Confidentiality also means that what is said in group stays in group. Obviously, people are not going to talk easily about themselves unless they feel safe and secure. One way to feel safe and secure is to make sure that everything shared in group is not mentioned outside the group. Therefore, to avoid hurting fellow group members, do not talk about what happened in group, whether in the coffee area/lounge, in other therapy sessions, or anywhere else. Also, by “gossiping” outside of group, a group member is deprived of comments and perspectives which could help him or her grow. So do not gossip.

If you have more questions about how confidentiality applies in Family Treatment Court, please talk with your case manager. You can also review the confidentiality policies at your particular treatment provider(s).

MedicationsAs you will learn in the Family Treatment Court Program, cross addiction is real. Many of you were already addicted to more than one substance when you started Family Treatment Court but only had one “favorite” substance. You will find it quite easy to change from one mood-altering substance to another and continue to be addicted. There are many reasons that you may continue to feel the need to use a variety of substances. The first thing that comes to mind is insomnia (sleeplessness), and you may be tempted to return to using sleeping medications within a short period of time because of poorly developed abilities to get yourself to sleep (these skills can be developed: warm milk, reading, meditation, relaxation techniques, etc.).

Pain is the second most common reason, and if you choose to use mood-altering analgesics (pain-killers), especially any of the narcotic drugs (Lortab, Percocet, Darvocet, Darvon, etc.), you are extremely likely to return to your drug of choice eventually because this will short-circuit your ability to control impulsive action. You have to be very cautious when you become physically ill, even with respiratory diseases (colds, flu, or pneumonia) because many of the drugs used to treat these conditions cause mood changes and decreased ability to control impulses. There are many compounds that will cause you to crave a drink/drug. You will need to be especially cautious with cough syrups.

It is difficult to remember which drugs to avoid and so please refer to the Treatment Services Medication Guide so you know what medications are safe to take.

You have to take responsibility for all of your future drug use because not every physician, pharmacist, or dentist knows about the nature of your condition and what you have learned. If you have a particular problem, be sure and discuss it with your


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coordinator. Unless it is a life-threatening or emergency situation, no drug of any kind is to be taken without prior notice to your coordinator.

Prior approval is required for all prescription meds!

The prescription must be brought to the treatment center during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday). If you need a prescription to be filled outside of the normal business hours, call the emergency phone line for prior approval, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Medical Emergency

Missed screens or groups that are due to a medical emergency require proper documentation. The documentation must include your name and phone number, reason for doctor or emergency room visit, time in and time out, diagnosis, doctor’s office or emergency room name and phone number. Initial documentation from a doctor’s office representative or emergency room staff must be provided within 48 hours. Follow-up documentation (doctor’s clinical notes) must be submitted within seven days. Failure to provide proper documentation may result in additional sanctions. Other forms of verifiable documentation and timeframes must be discussed with your coordinator. (NOTE: A discharge summary will not suffice as proper medical documentation.) Let your physicians, dentist, pharmacists, and all other persons that will be involved in your receiving medications know that you are in recovery. Seek their written advice as to how the prescribed medication will influence you recovery and “clean” drug testing ability. This is extremely important in the maintenance of your recovery. If any members of your household are taking medications, please notify your coordinator as soon as possible.

Upon entering the Family Treatment Court Program, new participants will be informed of the doctor notification form process during the initial orientation. Participants are provided a form to be signed by the doctor or their assistant. If a participant fails to submit a doctor notification form, each time he/she goes to the emergency room, Quick Care, or hospital, he/she will be sanctioned according to the positive/missed sanctioning guidelines. It is not necessary to have a form signed each visit if the participant goes to his/her regular physician and Family Treatment Court staff has a form on file in his/her chart.

Zero Tolerance Alcohol PolicyNo alcohol use is acceptable while you are in Family Treatment Court. If you test positive, we are not going to try to figure out why or what it is, it is alcohol...period. None should be in your system at any time. Avoid the use of hand sanitizer, as well. Please note that even the purchasing or possession of any type of alcohol while in this Hall County Treatment ServicesFamily Treatment CourtParticipant handbookLast Revision: 1/9/2017

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Program will result in a sanction. Please read all labels for contents.

E-Cigarettes Re-fillable e-cigarettes and “vapes” are also prohibited in the program. Only e-cigarettes that are not refillable are allowed.

Court

Courtroom BehaviorYour attendance in court is a critical condition of your participation in the Family Treatment Court. Your behavior from the time you leave your automobile until you arrive in the courtroom should reflect positively on the Family Treatment Court Program.

Your attire should not include shorts, tank tops, halter-tops, hats, sunglasses, sleeveless shirts, mini-skirts, or excessively baggy clothing.

You should not wear clothes displaying offensive language or advertising alcohol or other drugs.

Participants will attend all scheduled court appearances on time and immediately be seated in the courtroom. You are to remain seated unless you are directed otherwise.

Participants will not talk in the courtroom during Family Treatment Court proceedings, nor should you read or sleep in the courtroom.

Participants will not bring food or drink into the courtroom, including chewing gum. No cell phones, electronic devices, or other distracting items are allowed. If a participant does not appear on his/her regularly scheduled court date and is not

excused from court, the Judge may issue a warrant for the participant’s arrest. Loud and boisterous behavior is unacceptable. Congregating in groups outside the

courthouse, lobby, or in the hallways is also unacceptable. You are responsible to see that your guests and children abide by these rules. If you must report early, please wait outside of the courthouse. Once in the courtroom, conversations should be minimal. You will be issued a broom

award for failure to remain quiet. If you have a program violation of any kind, you are to report to court at the next

scheduled court date. When addressed by the judge, you should stand and respond respectfully. For

example, “Yes” and “No” or “Yes, sir” and “No, ma’am” are appropriate. Speak


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clearly and directly to the bench and remain in front of the judge until you are dismissed. Violations of courthouse and courtroom behavior will result in sanctions.

Program Phases and Progression

Orientation and CBI/IOP Phase 1The focus of this phase is to support your choice to work toward a drug-free life and to help you establish a foundation of abstinence.

Goals for this phase: Substance abuse assessment Referrals for needed services Abstinence from all mood-altering substances Not using drugs or alcohol Learning to recognize what triggers your use Development of parenting skills Improved interaction with children Learning and beginning to live the 12 Steps Working with your temporary sponsor Development of a recovery plan Development of a childcare action plan Secure full-time employment and/or enrollment in school (28 hours per week) Attain drug free living accommodations

You will be doing the following: Making twice monthly court appearances Submitting to frequent, random drug screens Developing treatment and program goals Actively participating in treatment program Securing employment within 42 days of program entry; registering with a court

recommended job placement agency if still unemployed at 14 days in program Active participation in visitation with children Be visited at home by the Community Policing Team Attending at least two self-help meetings weekly and working with sponsor

Requirements for advancing to Celebrating Families!: Successful completion of CBI/IOP curriculum Securing permanent sponsor 30 consecutive days of no missed, dilute, or positive drug screens and out of jail Attending required court appearances Maintaining stable, full-time employment or school Participating in required visitation with children


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Progressing toward treatment and program goals All sanctions completed including community service hours All fees and fines are current Treatment team recommendation

Celebrating Families! Phase 2The focus of this phase is to stabilize you in treatment, challenge you to confront the underlying issues surrounding your addiction and its impact on you and your family, and help you rise to the challenge of recovery as a way of life.

Goals for this phase: Continued abstinence (not using drugs or alcohol) On-going referrals for needed services Continued development of educational/vocational goals Working to enhance parental capacity On-going development of parenting skills Improved interaction with children Development of recovery tools Actively working the 12 Steps with sponsor

You will be doing the following: Making twice monthly court appearances Submitting to frequent, random drug screens Continued progress with treatment and program goals Attending at least two self-help meetings and one Pro-Social weekly and working

with sponsor Continued active participation in treatment program with your children and family

members Active participation in visitation with children Be visited at home by the Community Policing Team

Requirements for advancing to Strengthening Families: Successful completion of Celebrating Families and MRT curriculum Minimum 60 consecutive days of no missed, dilute, or positive drug screens and

60 consecutive days out of jail Participating in required court appearances Progression in reunification with children Progressing toward treatment and program goals Maintaining stable, full-time employment or school attendance All sanctions completed (including community service) All fees and fines are current Treatment team recommendation


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Strengthening Families Phase 3The focus of this phase is to promote your continued change and growth toward self-sufficiency and self-reliance while helping you to reconnect with your family and community at large.

Goals for this phase: Continued abstinence (not using drugs or alcohol) On-going referrals for needed services Continuing to enhance parental capacity On-going development of parenting skills Improved interaction with children Actively working with 12 Step Sponsor Actively working the 12 Steps with your sponsor

You will be doing the following: Making twice monthly court appearances Submitting to frequent, random drug screens Continued progress in treatment and program goals Continued active participation in treatment program with your children and family

members Working with your children through their part of the program Attending at least two self-help and one Pro-Social meetings weekly Continuing vocational/educational requirements Be visited at home by the Community Policing Team

Requirements for advancing to Maintenance: Successful completion of Strengthening Families Minimum 60 consecutive days of no missed, dilute, or positive drug screens and

60 consecutive days out of jail Participating in required court appearances Achieve Reunification Maintaining stable, full-time employment or school Progressing toward treatment and program goals Actively engaged in your 12 step recovery process and working with your

sponsor All sanctions completed (including community service) All fees and fines current Treatment team recommendation

Maintenance Phase 4


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The focus of this final phase is to continue to provide you with the necessary support to complete the program.

Goals for this phase: Continued abstinence (not using drugs or alcohol) Continued employment and/or enrollment in appropriate vocational/educational

program On-going development of parenting skills Continued improving interaction with children Completion of the recovery plan Internalization of recovery tools—including the 12 Steps

You will be doing the following: Making monthly court appearances Submitting to random drug screens Actively participating as a peer leader/mentor with a lower phase FTC participant Actively participating in two self-help meetings and one Pro-Social weekly and

working with sponsor Formalizing long-term life goals and preparing a “Life Plan” to present at

Commencement Performing 24 hours of public service work Continuing vocational/educational requirements Be visited at home by Community Policing Team Maintaining safe, drug-free housing for you and your family

Requirements for Commencement Minimum 6 consecutive months of no missed, positive, or dilute drug screens Minimum 6 months out of jail Participating in required court appearances Reunification with children for minimum of three months Completion of treatment and program goals Completion of parenting skills training Stable, full-time employment or school attendance All fines and fees paid in full Treatment team recommendation Completion of all sanctions and community service Maintaining a stable, safe, drug-free home Completion of 24 public service hours Completion and presentation of a “Life Plan” Completion of exit interview with the Judge and FTC Coordinator Attendance at Family Treatment Court graduation ceremony


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12 Steps

Alcoholics Anonymous, 3rd Ed., 1976

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.

2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood

him.4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our

wrongs.6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them

all.9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would

injure themselves or others.10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we

understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.


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12 Traditions

Narcotics Anonymous 1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends on NA unity.2. For our Group purpose there is but one ultimate authority—a loving God as He may

express Himself in our Group conscience, our leaders are but trusted servants, they do no govern.

3. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using.4. Each Group should be autonomous, except in matters affecting other Groups, or NA, as

a whole.5. Each Group has but one primary purpose—to carry the message to the addict who still

suffers.6. An NA Group ought never endorse, finance or lend the NA name to any related facility or

outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property or prestige divert us from our primary purpose.

7. Every NA Group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.8. Narcotics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our Service Centers

may employ special workers.9. NA, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or

committees directly responsible to those they serve.10. NA has no opinion on outside issues; hence, the NA name ought never be drawn into

public controversy.11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always

maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films.12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place

principles before personalities.

Anonymity Always remember that AA/NA are anonymous organizations and that everyone is there for basically the same reason. It is never appropriate to say to a friend, “Guess who I saw at an AA meeting last night!”

Never address your physician, dentist, minister, attorney, or other professional person at a meeting by that person’s title or last name. Anonymity includes both name and vocation. Don’t ever ask a professional person for professional advice while at an AA/NA function. To do so can be a serious threat to the attendance and sobriety of that person, who undoubtedly needs the meetings as much as you do.


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The Angels in BlackI sit all alone in my room but I no longer cry

It doesn’t matter much to mom and dad who only careabout getting high.

I don’t go to school much these days, I’m sick, hungry andit’s hard for me to breathe

No one cares about the things I really needDad cooks things in my house but it’s not for us to eat

It burns my lungs and my skin and its hard for me to seeWhy does no one hear me? Why does no one care?

My mom and dad don’t love me back, and I don’t think that’s fair.Then one night I hear the sounds as the door comes crashing downMom and Dad rush to hide the things I know they don’t want found

My mom and dad are on the floor, their hands behind their backThe men all have guns and helmets, and they are all dressed in black

They move from room to room as they continue to yell ‘Police!’I am very scared as I fall upon my knees

Then one of them looks down at me and he can tellI’m a child in need

He puts the gun away as he reaches down to meHe picks me up from the floor that has become my bedThe hand that held the gun, now gently holds my head

I can only see his eyes but they look so very sadI wonder if he has a Child like me, I wish he were MY dad

He rushes me from my house to an ambulance on the streetHis eyes fill up with tears as he lays me on the seat

I now have good clothes to wear and good food to eatI can breathe good again and it’s not hard for me to see

I know now there is a God because whenI prayed he sent an answer back

For the men who came to rescue me are reallyThe Angels in Black

Author Unknown


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Acknowledgement of Receipt of

Hall County Family Treatment Court

Participant Handbook

I acknowledge that I have received and read, or had read to me, in full the Hall County

Family Treatment Court Participant Handbook. I understand it is my responsibility to

familiarize myself with and remain current on all rules and future conditions of my Hall

County Family Treatment Court program. I understand if I have any questions regarding

the contents of this handbook, it is my responsibility to contact the Family Treatment

Court Coordinator at 770-718-5710.

______________________________________

PRINT NAME

______________________________________

SIGNATURE

______________________________________

DATE


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Resource DirectoryAgency Contact Information

HospitalsNortheast Georgia Medical Center 743 Spring St. NE

Gainesville, GA 770-219-9000

LaurelwoodMental Health-Alcohol & Drug Abuse

200 Wisteria DriveGainesville, GA 30501(770) 219-3800

Basic NeedsConsumer Credit Counseling 404-527-7630Food Stamps (DFCS) 770-532-5298Gainesville Baptist Rescue Mission (Men) 770-287-9700Good News at Noon 770-503-1366Hall Area Transit 770-503-3333Housing Authority 770-536-1294L.A.M.P. Ministries 770-503-0588Ninth District Opportunities 770-532-3191Salvation Army 770-534-7589United Way 770-536-1121

Clothing

Gateway House Thrift Store 770-539-9645

L.A.M.P. Ministries 678-450-0003

Potters House Thrift Store 770-534-1435

Salvation Army Thrift Store 770-534-7589General Needs and Resources Dial 770-534-7589

Financial Assistance

GHAIN 770-531-1440

Ninth District Opportunity 770-534-8826

Salvation Army 770-534-7589


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St. Vincent DePaul Society 770-534-0234

Food Programs/PantriesChattahoochee Baptist Association 770-532-3371

Food Stamps – DFCS 770-532-5298

Good News At Noon 770-503-1366

Joe’s Place at Riverbend 770-287-1619

More than Enough 770-534-4800

Northlake Baptist Church 770-536-7338Salvation Army 770-534-7589South Hall Community Food Pantry 678-865-6588

Housing and ShelterBaptist Rescue Mission (men) 770-503-9700Good News At Noon 770-503-1366Gainesville Housing Authority 770-536-1294My Sister’s Place (women) 770-532-5111Salvation Army (both) 770-534-7589

Child Care Pre-SchoolChild Care Resource and Referral 770-718-3883Head Start/Pre-K 770-536-1816

Children and Teen Services and OrganizationsBoys & Girls Clubs of Hall County 770-534-3030Boy Scouts of America 706-693-24464-H Clubs 770-531-8291Choices Pregnancy Care 770-535-1413Girl Scouts of Northeast Georgia 770-536-8656Center Point Mentor Program 770-535-1050Safe Kids 770-219-8095Teen Pregnancy Prevention 770-535-7066Veterans Community Outreach 770-531-0046YMCA 770-287-9622


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Counseling and Family ServicesAVITA Community Partners 678-207-2900Catholic Social Services 770-534-3337Center Point 770-535-1050Community Service Center 770-503-3330Family Recovery 770-353-1073Center for Hope & Healing 770-532-6530Laurelwood 770-531-3800Family Ties 770-287-3071Still Waters Counseling Center 770-287-1356

Criminal Justice/Legal ServicesAnimal Control 770-531-6829Child Support Enforcement 770-535-5735Clerk of Courts 770-531-7025District Attorney 770-531-6965GA Bureau of Investigation (GBI) 770-535-5423Georgia Legal Services 770-535-5717Gainesville Diversion Center 770-535-5732Juvenile Court 770-531-6927Probation Office 678-997-2403Regional Youth Detention Center 770-535-5465

Crisis LinesChild/Adult Protective Services 770-532-5298Gateway House (domestic violence) 770-536-5860Laurelwood 770-531-3800National Runaway Hotline 1-800-621-4000Poison Control Center 404-616-9000Family Ties 770-287-3071Rape Response 770-503-7273American Red Cross (fire or disaster) 770-532-8453Georgia Counsel on Child Abuse 1-800-532-3208HELP LINE 770-534-0617

EducationAdult Learning Center 770-531-6410


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Gainesville City Schools 770-536-5275Gainesville State College 770-718-3639Hall County Schools 770-534-1080Lanier Career Academy 770-531-2330Lanier Technical College 770-531-6300

Employment ResourcesVocational Rehabilitation 770-535-5926Georgia Department of Labor 770-535-5484Hall County Job Line 770-531-3947Labor Ready 770-532-2088Goodwill Career Center 770-538-4209

Pregnancy/Infant ResourcesFirst Steps 770-287-3873Choices Pregnancy Ctr. 770-535-1413Mother-baby Classes/Info. 770-535-3357WIC Program 678-696-2261Women’s Health OB Clinic 770-531-5623

Healthcare/InsuranceDoctor Network (doctor referral) 770-535-3400Good News Clinics 770-297-5040MedLink 770-287-0290Hall County Health Department 770-531-5600Northeast Georgia Medical Center 770-535-3553PeachCare for Kids Insurance 1-877-427-3224Quick Care 770-538-7777Medicaid 770-531-6015Medicare and SSI 770-532-7506

Developmental Delays/DisabilitiesDisability Resource Center 770-534-6656Children with Special Needs 770-535-6907Challenged Child and Friends 770-535-8372GA Dept of Rehabilitation Services 770-535-5468Parkway Enterprises 770-532-0304


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Rehab Industries of NE GA 770-535-7464Sonrise Camp 678-450-6905

Substance Abuse ServicesAlcoholics Anonymous Georgia 404-525-3178Cocaine Hotline 1-800-905-8666Drug Helpline (1-800-drughelp) 1-800-378-4435Hall County MANS/Drug Hotline 770-297-6267HALT House 770-534-3777Laurelwood 770-531-3800Narcotics Anonymous 404-362-8484North House (women) 770-536-3507Potters House (men) 706-543-8338Serenity House (men) 770-536-0092Absolute Treatment Solutions 678-450-8089Turning Point (for men) 770-533-9021

TransportationRed Rabbit/Hall Area Transit 770-503-3330Logisticare (Medicaid Only) 404-968-4800

AASaint Luke Church 770-503-9255HALT House 770-534-3777The Ridge 770-535-5412Laurelwood 770-531-3800

NALanier Hill Church 770-297-4673Lakewinds 770-535-5412Laurelwood 770-531-3800HALT House 770-534-3777St. Michaels Catholic Church 770-534-3338

Treatment ProvidersAVITA Community Partners 678-207-2950


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Creation Counseling 678-343-1451Alpha Hope Counseling 706-716-4735Diverse Solutions 770-532-9944Family Recovery 770-535-1073The Ridge 770-535-5412Laurelwood 770-531-3800LifeWorks Counseling 770-503-7999People Who Care 770-287-7085Road To Recovery 770-534-2664New Hope Counseling 770-539-9669Community Service Center 770-535-5445Center Point Counseling 770-535-1050Brenau Counseling Center 770-534-6136


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