BARRON, WI -- Engage and Enhance: Improving the Barron County Family Recovery Court for Families. By following the Family Treatment Court Best Practice Standards, Barron County will be able to provide services that address the needs of the entire family, including direct services to children and parents served in this program. Family Recovery Court improves outcomes for children, parents, and families affected by substance use and co-occurring disorders who are involved in the child welfare system.
As of October 1st, 2023, Barron County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) received additional funding of $896,785 from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). The OJJDP Enhancement Grant will allow Barron County to improve the Family Recovery Court’s ability to treat substance abuse disorders and mental health disorders for children and families, and formally engage pregnant individuals and caregivers. It will also enhance data collection processes and evaluation methods to support the FRC.
Family Recovery Court Judge, Honorable James C. Babler, has expressed his enthusiasm saying, “The Barron County Circuit Court Judges are excited about this new opportunity and what the future holds for the Barron County Family Recovery Court. We are totally committed to Family Recovery Court (FRC) and have found it to be instrumental in changing moms and dads into safe, sober and clean parents. This enhancement grant will allow us to continue to improve our existing program by entering into new partnerships with community agencies to address the needs of infants affected by substance use and improve the services provided to FRC participants and children.”
Since starting, The Barron County Family Recovery Court (FRC) has served over 44 adults and 55 youth within the community to provide treatment and accountability to parents with substance use and co-occurring disorders. The impact that Family Recovery Court and the services provided has on these individuals is profound, creating healthier parents and families.
This enhancement will allow Barron County to expand the treatment to include pregnant individuals with alcohol and other drug abuse by partnering with local medical professionals. It will also allow further partnerships with other community organizations to assist these individuals. In addition, there will be funds to support expanded recovery services. Including substance abuse disorder treatment services, sustainable peer support, and mental health needs. These funds will allow for supplementary drug testing methods and ability to respond appropriately. The added funds will also support adding community partners to assist with meeting mental health needs and recovery coaching services. Another primary component of the enhancement grant will be data collection, analysis and evaluation to determine the effectiveness of the services and programming provided within the FRC. We have seen early success with the FRC and we want to be able to continue that with not only the human success stories but the supporting data as well.
For more information about the grant award visit HERE.
[Photo: Kaylee Foss, Family Recovery Court graduate, and Family Recovery Court Judge Honorable James C. Babler]
Last Update: Oct 20, 2023 9:23 am CDT
